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Most people’s first thoughts of the British royal family are King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Harry, and Meghan. They seem to be constantly on the news. Conversely, Princess Anne has been working quietly for decades without much fanfare.
Princess Anne receives no drama or notice, but makes no mistake, she is strong. Her constant presence in the royal family over her whole life is evidence. Her straightforward approach, great work ethic, and strong sense of obligation are well-known. Let us first better examine her world: her titles, her rituals, and her great drive.
Born Royal, But Always Her Own Persona
Princess Anne was born in 1950. She is the only daughter of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II and the second child. From the beginning, she has been a princess; she grew up in castles, rides in carriages, and leads a life governed by customs and formalities. Still, she was unlike most princesses even at a young age. There were no frills or sophisticated embellishments for her. She was strong-willed, realistic, not reluctant to voice her ideas.
Anne was busy figuring her own path in the world as her brother Charles was preparing to take the throne. Though she wasn’t in the straight line of succession, she made it plain from away that she wouldn’t be staying out of the way.
Let’s Talk About That Title
The name Anne is Princess Royal, which sounds very fancy and is. But here’s the thing, you don’t just get it. The ruler gives their oldest daughter the title Princess Royal. There is only ever one Princess Royal at a time. This award was given to Anne in 1987, a long time after she had already shown that she was a loyal and hard-working member of the royal family.
It’s interesting to see how Anne has dealt with titles in her own family. She didn’t give her kids any royal names when they were born, Peter and Zara. That may have seemed strange, but it was all on purpose. Anne didn’t want her children to feel stuck or limited by what the royal family expected of them as they grew up. It was important to her that they were free to live their own lives and not have to follow royal rules.
And honestly, looking at how grounded and successful her kids are today, that decision seems to have worked out pretty well.
She’s All About Duty
Each royal usually goes to the most popular events each year. If you made a list, Princess Anne would be at the top of the list. She shows up. Plenty. She is always going somewhere, from charity events and hospital trips to awards ceremonies and official receptions. The most amazing thing about her is that she does all of this without any fuss.
Anne won’t be making news for her personal life or exposing pricey outfits. She just shows up, works, welcomes a lot of people, and then proceeds to the next event. She stays focused, treats everyone with respect, and does not demand compliments for performing what she believes to be her responsibility.
She also holds honorary positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force and is quite close to the military. Service to her is something she really believes in, not only a regal duty.
She’s Got Grit and She’s Not Afraid to Show It
One of the hippest things about Princess Anne is her toughness. You know, not only psychologically but also physically. She rode horses rather seriously in the 1970s. Riding for Great Britain, she entered the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. She trained hard and battled at the top level, not only for enjoyment.
Then there was the time in 1974 when someone tried to take her away. Anne didn’t freak out like most people would in that situation. She actually stood her ground and wouldn’t get out of the car. People say she told the attacker, “Not bloody likely,” when he told her to go with him. In that one moment, she showed everyone how brave and strong she really is.
Making a Big Impact Without Making a Big Fuss
Though she doesn’t garner as much attention as some of her cousins, Princess Anne has made a significant impact particularly in terms of charitable activity. She doesn’t merely assign her name to more than 300 groups she works with. She visits causes she values and keeps in touch with them.
Anne does great work, whether she’s helping kids, supporting healthcare, or fighting for animal rights. She doesn’t need cameras or attention from the media to show that she’s doing well. She does it over and over.
When you look at the royal family today, with all of its changes and problems, Anne stands out as someone who has always been the same. She hasn’t changed her voice or beliefs to fit the times; she’s just been reliable..
Still Going Strong in Her Seventies
Princess Anne is well into her seventies, hence you would assume she would slow down somewhat. No, she still attends hundreds of events annually and usually exudes the same vitality she did in her earlier years. She still jokes in her typically dry manner when she’s being questioned, walks fast, and sports her hair in her trademark style.
Anne is more important than ever now that Queen Elizabeth has died and King Charles has changed the royal family. She’s not just a part of the royal machine; she’s a sign of security, loyalty, and honesty.
