As Princess Anne marks another year of devoted service to the royal family, her commitment and work ethic continue to shine. Known for her unwavering dedication, she consistently surpasses other family members in her work ethic and shows no signs of slowing down. Princess Anne, known for her preference for minimal media attention, often flies under the radar despite her numerous official engagements.
Her low-key demeanor means that many of her contributions go unnoticed. In a candid interview for her 70th birthday in 2020, Princess Anne reflected on her decades of service and the evolving nature of royal life. The documentary *The Princess Royal at 70*, which marked her milestone birthday, featured her insights into the challenges faced by today’s younger royals, including the Princess of Wales.
Princess Anne expressed empathy for the younger generation of working royals, acknowledging the increased scrutiny they face, exacerbated by the constant pace of social media. She noted that the pressure on younger family members is greater now than it was during her early years, reflecting on the contrast between the media environment then and now. She pointed out that while media interest could be difficult, the absence of social media in her time likely made things easier.
Additionally, Princess Anne considered the impact of digital communication, highlighting its limitations compared to face-to-face interactions. She humorously remarked, “I’m aware of Twitter, but even if you paid me, I wouldn’t consider using it.” Although she acknowledged this as a somewhat different issue, she stressed the importance of genuine interaction over online technology.
The documentary also featured tributes from notable figures who praised Princess Anne’s steadfast dedication. Lord Sebastian Co recalled a humorous incident during a significant committee meeting where Princess Anne, known for her directness, accidentally left her microphone on after a long-winded comment from another member. Co remembered her muttering, “I think this person is probably the most stupid person in the world,” and noted how she handled the situation with unflappable grace.
In a lighter moment, Princess Anne and Kate Middleton playfully poked fun at Prince William’s rugby skills. During a group exchange, William mentioned his rugby days at school, to which Kate teasingly replied, “And have you?” The group erupted in laughter, with one co-host jesting about Kate’s competitiveness. Kate, grinning, clarified that it was merely the question, not the response. William diplomatically refrained from expressing his true thoughts, aiming to be polite.
To mark Princess Anne’s 74th birthday, the royal family’s official social media account shared three images: a recent photo, one of Anne and her brother King Charles at the 2023 Trooping the Colour event, and a nostalgic image of the royal siblings on a picnic mat at Windsor Castle. Born 21 months apart, King Charles and Princess Anne have remained close, and following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Charles is expected to rely heavily on Anne, who will play an even greater role in the coming years, according to royal correspondent Phil Dampier.
