Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, who is celebrating her 76th birthday today, has maintained a discreet stance regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020. However, in a 2024 interview with CBC, she appeared to subtly allude to her thoughts about the Sussexes while discussing the vision for a “slimmed-down” monarchy under King Charles.
During the interview, Princess Anne remarked, “Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ (monarchy) was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment. I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.”
Although Princess Anne is rarely seen publicly alongside Meghan Markle, reports suggest she anticipated that Meghan’s tenure within the monarchy might be brief. According to royal expert Neil Sean, a reliable source indicated that Meghan sought out Princess Anne upon joining the royal family and that Anne offered her seasoned advice on royal duties.
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Sean explained, “Princess Anne emphasised that the monarchy is not simply a working environment but a commitment that requires punctuality, thorough preparation, and dedication to duties. She advised Meghan to fully immerse herself in any charities she supported, highlighting the seriousness of the role.”
Princess Anne herself is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated members of the Royal Family, consistently fulfilling her engagements despite her seniority. Notably, even after sustaining an injury earlier in 2024, she only paused briefly before returning to her royal responsibilities.
Her approach underscores a commitment to duty and tradition, reflecting her perspective on what is required to serve within the monarchy effectively.