Princess Anne’s bizarre nickname for King Charles revealed in BBC documentary
LONDON, ENGLAND: The British royal family, known for their formal titles and public decorum, has a more whimsical side behind closed doors.
A charming revelation from the BBC documentary 'Charles III: The Coronation Year' uncovers that Princess Anne has a quirky nickname for her older brother, King Charles III.
In a heartwarming behind-the-scenes clip, Anne greets Charles with a friendly “Hello, old bean,” prompting both a laugh and a kiss on the hand from the monarch.
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Princess Anne and King Charles' warm relationship
This affectionate address highlights the deep bond between the two royals, who share a history as the eldest children of Queen Elizabeth II. “They have this very warm relationship,” royal expert Hannah Furniss said.
“She is probably in a better position than anyone to give him advice, give him a bit of sympathy when he needs it, give him a bit of a pep talk,” reported The Telegraph.
Royal nicknames from 'old bean' to 'Lilibet' reflect family bond
Similarly, it’s well-known that the late Queen Elizabeth II was affectionately called 'Lilibet' as a child, a name that has sparked controversy since being given to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter.
Although, Americans might find it unusual that Princess Anne addressed King Charles as "old bean," but this nickname has English origins similar to the term "poppet," which Kate Middleton has used for Prince Louis.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as a “friendly way of talking to a man,” often carrying a touch of old-fashioned charm. This endearing nickname not only underscores the sibling closeness but also provides a glimpse into their private interactions.
Princess Anne and King Charles' strong bond
Princess Anne’s lighthearted use of “old bean” reflects a long-standing bond shaped by their shared upbringing in the 1960s, amidst social changes and royal constraints. Queen Elizabeth's children, King Charles and Princess Anne, are just 21 months apart in age and significantly older than their two younger brothers.
“Both of them grew up in the 1960s, where you had this social change within the United Kingdom, within the world, people being freer, but you still have the constraints of the monarchy,” explained royal historian Marlene Koenig told Business Insider.
As King Charles steps into his role as monarch, Princess Anne’s role as a confidante has become even more significant. “She is the person the King has known the longest,” noted royal commentator Wesley Kerr told Tatler. "She can be relied on for complete discretion and unconditional love."
