Princess Anne’s sitting room

One of my MIL (?) was of the titled class.

When we set up home my parents gave us their old sofa which had seen better days but was still serviceable.
We used it for a year or so till the supporting springs broke in the sofa and we could afford a new one.

My MIL took it for her drawing room and used it for 15 years until she picked up another at an auction.?

Elegran

Paperbackwriter Maybe she finds the sofa she has is perfectly comfy and doesn't want a trendy new one?

What is this obsession so many people have of wanting to throw out anything old and replace it?

Hardcastle - "And I love it. I love everything that’s old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine; and I believe, Dorothy (taking her hand), you’ll own I have been pretty fond of an old wife." She Stoops to Conquer, Oliver Goldsmith

It doesn't look as if she finds it that comfortable though - she's sitting on some sort of booster cushion. The whole room looks scruffy and the furniture what my mother would have called 'utility'. But yes, each to their own I guess. She was never what you'd call rock n'roll, after all. (I do actually like her, btw - think she's terrific!)

I bet she has a much "posher" one for entertaining.

I am same age and named after her. I had the same pattern on set of chairs and very nice too! Classic William Morris pattern and 100% linen. Changed for more 'serviceable' leather when kids teenagers. Well I give her full marks for letting someone photograph her and hubby in what is probably their dog friendly 'snug'.

The numbers all over the room make it look very cluttered.
Without those, it looks perfectly normal and comfy.

I wouldn't want the dusting of all that "stuff" but then Anne probably doesn't do it herself. Really, what does it matter? If they're happy in their surroundings, it's nobody else's business.

DaisyL

I can't believe some of the comments - drab, squalid, scruffy. So rude to criticise other people's taste - fine to say that it's not what you would have but not very nice to those of us who have rooms just like this!

Great comment DaisyL But criticising others keeps some people happy. I love my sitting room, but I wouldn’t dare invite the media round for fear of what they’d publish.

I'm sure I've seen her photographed in a more formal room in the house so this must be just for them and the dogs as others have suggested.
It makes mine look quite tidy though so that's a relief!

I wonder who took the photo and why? I do not read the DM so have only seen the pic on here, does it explain it in more detail?

Not surprised at all, she is a sensible woman! Stately homes and grand house are cold, draughty and the furniture is often too valuable (and uncomfortable) to lounge on. Many grand houses have smaller 'back rooms' where people can relax, keep cosy and do their own thing. When I worked in TV we would film in quite a few large houses and yet always have a cuppa with the owner in the kitchen or a small flat tucked away somewhere!

nothing wrong with it. Their choice after all.

The pair of them look very happy and comfortable which is really all that matters. The room is very much like the room of one of my closest friends, a place that is always warm, welcoming and friendly, pre covid of course.

Not to my taste but then it’s not my house. They look perfectly happy.

I think everybody who has posted derogatory comments should post a photo of their own sitting room now, so we can see how much more refined your taste is - but be warned, we will put red numbers on the bits we don’t personally like and then make comments about your taste too. Live and let live.

For those that are wondering how the photo happens to be in the DM - Anne's the patron the Scottish Rugby and shared the photo on the official Royal Family Instagram account as she cheered on Scotland from her living room instead of the stands.
Each Saturday, the DM does an article in the same format showing a well-known person sitting in their living room, with special keepsakes shown numbered with a text of why they're special to them.
Oh dear, I'm afraid I've shown myself to be a DM reader (online). I wont be able to join in any serious discussions anymore........

Its ok; you can save face by pretending you read it somewhere else (when you had no other choice) "just out of interest".

Princess Ann's sitting room suggests it's a room that belongs to thinking people. People with lots of interests, lead busy, interesting lives. Happy in their own skins. As for the support cushion. Why not? Perhaps Princess Ann has hip pain.

I am older than Princess Anne. Not one of my peers has such an antiquated room in their home. That’s from the very rich down to the likes of me.
Seriously, why would she want to live in a museum of the turn of the century (1899-1901). All that’s missing is the pulley.

Sorry, auto correct grrr. Should be Princess Anne.

Did you notice she was sitting on a booster cushion? That means the sofa has gone saggy!

What a pity all those who criticised Anne’s room didn’t include a photograph of their room with the comments.
I would be mortified if a guest made comments like some Gransnetters have after visiting my home.

My thoughts exactly Calender Girl

Quite clear that those of you who are critical don’t move in ‘quality’ circles. They are all like that. ?????

4xGranny I’m sure some of the GNs who made derogatory remarks do so when they’ve visited friends houses. I know a couple people who do exactly that.

I guess my living room would look old-fashioned to many of you then. I would hate to throw out good quality furniture for something modern and not so well made and I like my photos and souvenirs acquired over 50 years.