If you think the most interesting thing about the Princess Royal is her Olympic equestrian record or her refusal to update her hairstyle since 1970, you’re missing the best part. It’s the fruit. Specifically, the Princess Anne unusual handbag fruit habit that has become a bit of a legend among royal watchers and event organizers alike.
Most people expect a royal clutch to hold, I don’t know, maybe a gold-plated iPhone or some heirloom jewels? Not Anne.
She carries a kiwi. Sometimes it's a very ripe banana.
It sounds like a joke, but it’s actually a window into how the hardest-working member of the British Royal Family operates. She doesn't have time for your catered three-course luncheons. She has places to be, ribbons to cut, and ships to launch. If she gets hungry between a charity visit in Gloucestershire and a military ceremony in London, she reaches into her bag.
The Kiwi and the Plastic Container
There’s this specific detail that always gets people. She doesn't just toss a piece of fruit into a bespoke leather bag and hope for the best. That would be messy.
Anne is famously practical. Sources close to the palace, including former royal chef Darren McGrady, have dropped hints over the years about the royal palate. While the late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of a specific jam penny sandwich, Anne is all about efficiency. She has been spotted carrying a small plastic container—basically a Tupperware—inside her handbag.
Inside? A kiwi fruit and a spoon.
Think about that for a second. To eat a kiwi with a spoon, you have to slice it in half. That means she’s either pre-cutting it or carrying a small knife, though the "pre-cut and scoop" method is the most likely. It's a high-vitamin, low-mess snack that doesn't require a napkin or a table. It is the ultimate "on-the-go" food for a woman who consistently tops the list for the highest number of official engagements completed in a year.
In 2023 alone, she clocked in well over 450 engagements. You can't do that if you're waiting for a sit-down meal at every stop.
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Why the Princess Anne Unusual Handbag Fruit Choice Matters
It isn't just about the kiwi. It’s about the banana, too. But not just any banana.
The Princess Royal reportedly prefers her bananas almost black. We’re talking "ready for banana bread" ripe. Why? Because they are easier to digest and, frankly, they’re sweeter. There’s an old-school British stoicism to it. You don't waste food. If a banana is overripe, you don't throw it out; you eat it because it’s at its peak sugar content and provides an immediate energy burst.
This habit highlights the divide between the "celebrity" royals and the "working" royals.
While the younger generation might be seen at high-end restaurants or discussed in terms of their fashion choices, Anne’s fashion is often decades old. She famously rewears outfits from the 1980s. Her handbag isn't a fashion statement; it’s a toolkit. When you see her clutching that bag, she isn't worried about the brand. She’s making sure her snack is secure.
The Logistics of Royal Snacking
You might wonder why she doesn't just ask an aide to carry her food.
Honestly, Anne isn't like that. She’s famously low-maintenance. She often drives herself to events. She does her own hair. Carrying her own fruit is just an extension of that "do it yourself" attitude that has made her a bit of a cult icon lately.
- She avoids the fuss of formal dining.
- She maintains a strict schedule.
- The fruit provides a natural sugar hit without the crash of processed snacks.
- It’s incredibly cheap, which appeals to her well-known frugal nature.
There was a story circulating a few years back about a lunch where she was served a beautiful meal but barely touched it, instead opting for her own stash. It’s not about being rude. It’s about control. When you’re living a life where every minute is choreographed by a private secretary, what you put in your mouth is one of the few things you can actually decide for yourself.
Breaking Down the Handbag Mystery
What else is in there? If the Princess Anne unusual handbag fruit takes up a chunk of space, the rest of the contents must be equally functional.
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Observers have noted she carries the basics: a pair of gloves (usually white or cream), perhaps a handkerchief, and occasionally a small camera. But the fruit container is the constant. It’s a level of preparedness that borders on survivalist.
The Health Angle: Why Kiwi?
If we look at this from a nutritional perspective, the woman is a genius. A kiwi has more Vitamin C than an orange. It’s packed with fiber. If you're shaking hands with hundreds of people a day—many of whom might be carrying a cold—you need your immune system to be a fortress.
The kiwi-and-spoon method is also incredibly hygienic. You don't have to touch the fruit with your hands. You scoop the flesh directly from the skin. In a post-pandemic world (and even before), that’s just smart.
Misconceptions About Royal Dining
A lot of people think royals eat like they’re in a movie every single day.
Larks' tongues and caviar? Hardly.
Most of the senior royals are actually quite boring eaters. King Charles III famously skips lunch entirely. Prince Philip was a fan of the barbecue. Anne, however, is the only one who has turned "handbag fruit" into a signature move.
It’s important to realize that for Anne, the "unusual" part isn't the fruit itself, but the fact that she carries it in a formal setting. Imagine being at a state banquet or a high-pressure charity gala and knowing that inside your luxury bag is a bruised banana. It’s a wonderful bit of rebellion.
What This Tells Us About the Future of the Monarchy
As the monarchy moves toward a "slimmed-down" version under King Charles, Anne’s approach is the blueprint. She is the epitome of "value for money." She doesn't require a massive entourage. She doesn't need a mobile kitchen following her around.
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She just needs a bag, a piece of fruit, and a schedule.
This practicality is why her popularity has surged. People like the fact that she’s a bit weird. They like that she doesn't care if people find her "overripe banana" habit strange. It’s authentic. In a world of curated Instagram feeds and PR-managed royal "moments," a princess scooping out a kiwi in the back of a Bentley is about as real as it gets.
The Actionable Takeaway from Anne’s Habit
You don’t have to be a royal to learn from the Princess Anne unusual handbag fruit strategy.
If you have a high-stress job or a day packed with meetings, the "Anne Method" is actually a life hack.
- Prioritize Portability: Find a snack that doesn't require refrigeration or complex packaging.
- Use a Hard Case: Don't just throw fruit in your bag. A small, lightweight plastic container prevents the dreaded "purse mush."
- Ignore the Social Pressure: If everyone else is eating expensive takeout and you'd rather have your pre-cut kiwi, just do it.
- Think About Energy, Not Just Hunger: Choose high-fiber, high-vitamin options that keep your brain sharp.
The Princess Royal has been doing this for decades, and at 75, she’s still outworking people half her age. Maybe the secret isn't in the bloodline—maybe it’s in the handbag.
Next time you’re heading out for a long day, skip the protein bar that tastes like cardboard. Grab a kiwi. Pack a spoon. Channel your inner Princess Anne. It’s efficient, it’s healthy, and it’s a little bit eccentric.
That is exactly how you stay at the top of your game for fifty years.
Practical Next Steps for Emulating the Royal Routine
To truly adopt the Princess Royal's approach to a busy day, start by auditing your "on-the-go" essentials. Swap out processed, high-sugar snacks for whole fruits that can be eaten with a tool—like the kiwi and spoon—to maintain hygiene while traveling. Invest in a small, durable, airtight container that fits comfortably in your daily carryall to prevent leaks. Finally, embrace the "function over fashion" mindset by ensuring your bag is organized for your actual needs rather than just appearances. This small shift in preparation can significantly sustain your energy levels during back-to-back commitments without the need for scheduled breaks.