Zara Tindall's rebellious piercing drew typical response from Princess Anne at Charles' party

Teenagers are renowned for testing their limits, and young royals are no exception. In 1998, a then 17-year-old Zara Phillips made headlines when she had her tongue pierced, an act of rebellion that resonated with parents of teenagers everywhere.

The daring decision was made during her time at Gordonstoun, the Scottish boarding school attended by many members of the Royal Family. Zara's new silver tongue stud was first spotted at her uncle King Charles's 50th birthday party.

You can only imagine the reaction when she revealed her new oral accessory to her mother, Princess Anne. However, thanks to a previously overlooked interview with Zara, now 43, we get a glimpse into the Princess Royal's straightforward response, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Zara Tindall visits mother Princess Anne for first time in hospital after horse accident

In a 2011 interview with Tatler magazine, Zara quipped: "At least I didn't have it coming out of my nose, or anything."

Reports also suggested that Princess Anne, unfazed by her daughter's bold new look, simply asked if Zara could still speak properly with the piercing.

Former Royal butler, Grant Harrold, recalled how Zara's unconventional style choice left a lasting impression on him. He shared: "She was the very first royal I met. In Scotland I was working and it was the weekend."

He continued: "It was all in the press that she had her tongue pierced and it was so exciting because when she was speaking to us, I suddenly saw the tongue piercing and I was like 'Oh, I've seen it'."

Princess Anne is on the mend after an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, where she is believed to have been kicked or headbutted by a horse.

In a statement from Buckingham Palace: "The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening.

"Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.

"The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery."