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Princess Anne: The Unyielding Royal Who Keeps Breaking Records
Princess Anne has once again clinched the title of the hardest-working royal, showcasing her unwavering commitment to duty.
In a recent study, it was revealed that she completed an astonishing 217 engagements in 2024 alone.
This remarkable achievement marks her fourth consecutive year at the top of the Royal Engagement Leaderboard, a testament to her relentless work ethic.
This year has been particularly significant for Princess Anne, especially following her brother King Charles' cancer diagnosis.
The royal family rallied together, increasing their commitments during his treatment.
Notably, Princess Anne experienced a 2.4% rise in her engagements compared to last year, when she managed 212.
The data, compiled by Reboot Online and sourced from the Royal Court Circular, tracked the activities of senior royals throughout the year.
November turned out to be a whirlwind month for Princess Anne, who recorded an impressive 28 engagements.
Meanwhile, King Charles secured the second spot on the leaderboard, fulfilling 186 royal duties despite facing health challenges.
However, this reflects a 5.6% decline from his 197 engagements in 2023.
His busiest month was October, where he participated in 26 events, but December appears to be quieter, with only one engagement scheduled so far.
In an unexpected twist, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, claimed third place with 126 engagements, marking an impressive 11.5% increase from his previous total of 113.
September was particularly fruitful for him, as he completed 15 engagements, surpassing his wife, Birgit.
Conversely, last year's third-place holder, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, slipped to seventh place with 124 engagements, experiencing a 12% decrease from 141 in 2023.
The Princess of Wales, Kate, found herself in tenth place with a mere 11 engagements this year, which represents a staggering 88% drop from her 92 engagements in 2023.
This decline is linked to her undergoing preventative chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis in March.
In October, she announced the completion of her treatment and her gradual return to royal duties.
As for Prince William, he also had a quieter year, participating in only 71 engagements, down 35.5% from the 110 he completed the previous year.
Amid all this, Princess Anne recently shared a witty remark about her experience asking Queen Elizabeth for permission to marry.
Known for her straightforward demeanor, Anne's humor shone through as she reflected on what can often be a daunting process for royal family members.
Historically, royal family members have needed approval from the reigning monarch before marrying, a requirement established by the Royal Marriages Act of 1772.
This law aimed to maintain political alliances and keep royal bloodlines intact.
Although Princess Anne was not expected to ascend the throne, she still had to navigate this rule like any other royal.
At seventy-four, Princess Anne recounted her experience seeking her mother's permission to marry in a humorous ten-word quip: “Not half as difficult as asking permission to get divorced.” This light-hearted comment reveals her candid nature and willingness to discuss her life openly.
Her divorce from Captain Mark Phillips in 1992 was a significant event in the royal family, attracting considerable media attention.
Princess Anne's first wedding took place on November 14, 1973, at Westminster Abbey, where she married Captain Mark Phillips, a former Olympic equestrian.
The couple welcomed two children, Peter and Zara, but their marriage ended in 1992 after nineteen years.
This public divorce was notable, especially as it coincided with other high-profile royal separations.
Later that same year, Anne married Sir Timothy Lawrence, a former Royal Navy officer, in a low-key ceremony attended by close family members.
Their relationship has remained strong and supportive, far from the media spotlight that often surrounds other royal couples.
Princess Anne's children reportedly get along well with their stepfather, contributing to a sense of family unity.
Known for her hard work and no-nonsense attitude, Princess Anne has earned a reputation as one of the most relatable royals.
Her ability to blend humor with the complexities of royal life speaks volumes about her character.
Even as she continues to fulfill her royal duties, her personal story and candid remarks make her an intriguing figure in the public eye.
As the monarchy evolves, Princess Anne stands as a beacon of resilience and strength.
Her enduring commitment to her royal responsibilities, coupled with her ability to navigate personal challenges with grace, has garnered her admiration from many.
Through her experiences and humor, she reminds us all that behind the royal titles lies a very human story.