MasterChef critic William Sitwell mocks Princess Anne's bucket hat in seven-word dig

Princess Anne's fashionable decision to wear a bucket hat while at the Paris Olympics 2024 "failed to impress" a MasterChef critic.

Writing in the Telegraph, William Sitwell described her "sunglasses, baggy t-shirt, dark and baggy trousers" look as "reflecting modern Britain" and, in a seven-word dig, he suggested she showcased "our descent into a nation of slobs".

The critic argued the nation should look to the Royal Family to be "nice and stiff and formal". 

Princess Anne wearing her 'Team GB' bucket hat was also compared by the food critic to hats worn by the rock band The Stone Roses.

In response to the scathing dig, musician Ian Brown, who promoted the style with his band, hit out at the MasterChef critic, as reported by Richard Eden, Diary Editor of The Daily Mail. Mr Brown wrote: "William, you look like you robbed a C&A mannequin from 1972. You jealous no-mark. Kiss me where the sun don't shine."

During this year's Olympic Games, Princess Anne opted for practicality over style, battling the Parisian heat in breezy trousers and a loose top. 

Adding to her cool ensemble, the Princess Royal also accessorised with reflective racer sunglasses and had her hair in her signature updo.

Throughout the visit to the France capital, the 72-year-old royal, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee, met with athletes and coaches as she visited the Team GB House in Paris. Joined by her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, Anne caused a major frenzy, with fans commenting and approving her look, despite Sitwell's comments.

One fan on social media platform X wrote: "How cool does Princess Anne look??? She rocks that hat!!! x."

Another said: "Perfect!! All of it!! Love the shirt tunic!! Always love Super Princess Royal Anne in a blazer but for this event this looks awesome on her!!"

A third fan wrote they would likely "walk past" if they'd seen Anne in such casual attire. They commented: "I'm in shock I think.  Have I ever seen Anne dressed so casually? I think I would have walked right past her."

Princess Anne's visit to Paris comes just weeks after she was rushed to hospital with a head injury after reportedly being kicked by a horse. Her medical team said her concussion and head injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs but precise details of how the incident came about are not clear. 

Fans also took to social media to express Anne's resilience in returning to royal duties and handing out Olympic medals after her injuries. One fan wrote: "Princess Anne fell off her horse 2 weeks ago and here she is handing out medals. She’s tough!!" 

Anne stayed in hospital for five nights after being injured while out walking on her Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire.