We’re getting reports that the Princess Royal — Princess Anne — has been deserting her five-star hotel in Turin, where she’s representing the International Olympic Committee, to dine in downmarket trattorias.

The Princess, who is an Olympic horsewoman in her own right, descended on backstreet joints like Mina’s and La Pista to sample her favourite dish, pasta with porcini mushrooms and zabaglione.

When Mamma, Mina Groppone, was asked about her choice of food, she said: “She didn’t limit herself and tried everything, including salami and a big helping of cake.”

Has the Princess been taking advice on Italian food from Luciano Pavarotti, we wonder?