Princess Anne: The No-Nonsense Royal Making Waves

In a world where royal family members often steal the spotlight, Princess Anne stands out for her down-to-earth attitude and relentless work ethic.

Recently, she made headlines not just for her duties but also for her choice of attire—a striking purple striped coat that once belonged to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

This beloved piece of clothing was worn by the late queen on numerous occasions, both casually and formally, and now serves as a sentimental reminder of her legacy.

On a typical day in February, the Princess Royal was busy with back-to-back engagements in Nottingham, England.

Her schedule was packed with visits to a therapy group and a shawl workshop, showcasing her commitment to community involvement.

The coat, crafted by Angela Kelly, the late queen's dressmaker, perfectly embodies Anne's practical style.

It's not flashy; it's functional—just like the princess herself.

Despite the glamour often associated with royalty, Anne remains the UK's favorite royal, according to the 2024 Ipsos poll.

With a score three percentage points higher than her brother, King Charles, she continues to capture the hearts of the British public.

This poll also highlighted the popularity of the Wales family, showing that Anne's appeal is growing, particularly in light of her increased visibility during her brother's health challenges.

In 2023, Princess Anne clocked in an impressive 457 meetings, surpassing King Charles' 425 engagements.

While the king and Queen Camilla juggle various responsibilities, this statistic underscores Anne's reputation as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.

Her dedication to public service shines through, especially as she takes on more responsibilities while Charles recuperates from cancer treatment.

Last week alone, Anne attended six events, a feat unmatched by any other royal.

Her schedule for the upcoming week is even busier, with nine events planned.

Despite her significant contributions, the media often overlooks her hard work.

When she travels, it's usually accompanied by just a security detail and one assistant, contrasting sharply with the fanfare that often surrounds other royals.

Having had the opportunity to interview Princess Anne twice, I can attest to her approachable nature.

During a photo shoot at her Gatcombe estate farm, she exuded warmth and humor.

Her candid remarks about the hectic pace of royal life reveal a woman who embraces her responsibilities with a sense of practicality.

“You just have to learn how to go slowly,” she quipped, highlighting her ability to adapt to the demands of her role.

Anne's affinity for the countryside is evident in her lifestyle.

Growing up on a farm, she has always felt more at home among animals than in bustling cities.

Her childhood memories of caring for pigs and dairy cows shaped her down-to-earth persona.

Balancing her royal duties with farm life is no easy task, but she finds fulfillment in both realms.

In a recent interview, Anne emphasized the importance of public service, stating, “As a family, we see ourselves as there to help.”

This commitment to serving the monarchy and the community reflects her deep-rooted values, instilled in her by her parents.

She believes in treating everyone with respect, which has earned her the admiration of those she meets during her engagements.

Living on Aston Farm with her daughter Zara Tindall, Anne shows no signs of slowing down.

Zara predicts her mother's relentless work ethic will continue, and given Anne's history, she might be right.

However, the princess has voiced concerns about the shrinking number of working royals, especially in light of recent health issues within the family.

While some may suggest a return to a larger pool of working royals, Anne's perspective is clear.

She believes that maintaining a slimmed-down monarchy may not be the best approach, particularly now.

The royal family faces challenges, and having fewer active members could hinder their ability to connect with the public.

Princess Anne, once second in line to the throne, now finds herself 17th after the introduction of younger royals.

Despite this shift, she remains a vital part of the monarchy.

Appointed as a councillor of state, she can step in for the king when needed, but the traditional hierarchy still places her in a position where she won't ascend further.

Many Britons express a desire to see Anne in a more prominent role, yet the historical precedence of male heirs continues to shape the monarchy.

Even with changes brought about by the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, Anne's path remains constrained.

Nevertheless, she has gracefully navigated these challenges, finding honor in her contributions to equestrian sports and beyond.

In a world where titles are often seen as privileges, Princess Anne made a conscious decision not to bestow titles upon her children.

This choice allows them the freedom to carve their own paths without the weight of royal expectations.

Reflecting on her decision, she remarked, “It was easy to see that a title was a very mixed gift.”

Through her dedication to duty, connection to her roots, and commitment to serving others, Princess Anne continues to redefine what it means to be a royal in the modern era.