Princess Anne ‘swiftly mounted’ – Clare Balding left red-faced over live commentary

Clare Balding has admitted to an awkward on-air gaffe during her live BBC coverage of King Charles III’s Coronation, after a comment she made about Princess Anne was unexpectedly interpreted in a humorous light.

The seasoned broadcaster, known for her extensive work in sports coverage – particularly horse racing – was part of the BBC’s commentary team during the historic state occasion. While offering observations during the procession, Balding referred to Princess Anne’s change of role after the Abbey ceremony, saying: “There’s the Princess Royal, who you may have seen make a hasty exit from Westminster Abbey, and she has been swiftly mounted.”

Though the phrasing seemed innocuous to Balding at the time – particularly given her professional background working with horses – it was her wife, Alice Arnold, who later pointed out that the remark may have had unintended double meanings for some viewers. The presenter has since described the moment as “mortifying,” though she expressed hope that the Princess Royal herself saw the humour in it.

Speaking to Woman and Home magazine, Mrs Balding said: “I commentated on the parade at the coronation, and there’s something I said that made perfect sense to me, coming from a background working with horses, which was, ‘There’s the Princess Royal, who you may have seen make a hasty exit from Westminster Abbey, and she has been swiftly mounted’.

“When I got home, Alice said that other people may have interpreted this differently, and I think a lot of people found it funny. Hopefully, including the Princess Royal!”

The amusing gaffe occurred during what was a momentous day for Princess Anne, who played a prominent role in the Coronation of her elder brother, King Charles III. The Princess Royal was seen beaming with pride as she arrived at Westminster Abbey in her Coronation Robe alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Following the formal service, Princess Anne assumed the historic role of Gold-Stick-in-Waiting – a ceremonial position with roots in royal tradition, now only seen at major state occasions. As soon as the Abbey service concluded, she swiftly changed out of her robes and mounted on horseback to lead the procession back to Buckingham Palace.

In her capacity as Gold Stick, Anne was responsible for the King’s personal security during the procession. Riding directly behind the Gold State Carriage carrying the King and Queen, the Princess Royal later joined members of the Armed Forces in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, where His Majesty received the Salute.

Clare Balding has been a senior presenter at the BBC for many decades, specialising in sports broadcasting. In recent years, she has become one of the BBC’s lead anchors for state occasions, taking over as commentator for Trooping The Colour from disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards.