Princess Anne delivered a characteristically blunt greeting to Paul Hollywood when the Great British Bake Off judge collected his MBE at Windsor Castle last year.
The 59-year-old baker from Wallasey, Merseyside, who received the honour for services to baking and broadcasting, found himself on the receiving end of royal candour.
"The first thing she said to me was, 'Where did you get your sickening tan?'" Hollywood told the Mail.
Hollywood, known for his piercing blue eyes and direct feedback on Bake Off, experienced a taste of his own medicine from the King's sister.
Princess Anne makes sharp remark to Paul Hollywood over his ‘sickening tan’.
PA
The Princess's sharp remark led to a more amiable exchange about Hollywood's travels.
"We talked about where I'd been on holiday, then she said, 'I really like Chelsea buns,'" Hollywood said. "She was charming and fascinating."
The television personality responded to the royal's confectionery preference with a generous gesture. He offered to bake a batch of Chelsea buns specifically for Princess Anne, which were delivered to her shortly after their encounter.
Hollywood's diplomatic response to the Princess's forthright comment about his appearance demonstrated his ability to handle criticism with the same grace he expects from nervous contestants facing his own assessments.
Princess Anne honoured Paul Hollywood due to his services to baking.
PA
Hollywood's distinctive tan has become a talking point both on and off the Channel 4 programme. Fellow judge Dame Prue Leith revealed in 2023 that his changing complexion creates difficulties for the production team.
"The popular question I get about Paul is, 'Is the tan fake?'" Dame Prue said.
"If he goes into the sun for 20 minutes, he comes out two shades darker. Immediately."
She explained that during filming breaks, Hollywood often relaxes in a hammock with his shirt off. "Then the make-up people complain he doesn't look like he did 20 minutes ago," she added.
Princess Anne told Paul Hollywood that she likes Chelsea Buns.
PA
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Paul Hollywood bowing as he met Princess Anne at Windsor Castle.
PA
Princess Anne appears to be maintaining the Royal Family's reputation for forthright commentary, a tradition particularly associated with her late father, Prince Philip. The former Duke of Edinburgh was renowned for his unfiltered observations during public engagements.
The Princess's direct approach to the celebrity baker echoes the family's long-standing practice of dispensing with diplomatic niceties.
Her immediate focus on Hollywood's appearance rather than conventional pleasantries demonstrates the same refreshing candour that characterised many of Prince Philip's memorable public interactions.
This encounter at Windsor Castle suggests the next generation of royals continues to value honest expression over carefully managed public relations.
Most Read
