The royal family's hardest-working member refuses to entertain thoughts of retirement amid ongoing health struggles within the British monarchy.
According to Fox News, Princess Anne has declared that stepping back from royal duties "isn't really an option" as she maintains her crucial role supporting King Charles III's vision of a streamlined monarchy.
The 74-year-old Princess Royal made her position clear in a recent interview with the Press Association, emphasizing there is no retirement program in her line of work. Her commitment comes at a critical time when the monarchy faces unprecedented challenges, including health issues affecting key members and the departure of several senior royals.
The royal family encountered significant setbacks beginning in January 2024 when both King Charles III and Kate Middleton required medical attention. The king underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate, followed by an announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February. The Princess of Wales also revealed her own cancer diagnosis, leading Prince William to temporarily step back from duties to support his wife.
These health challenges emerged against the backdrop of previous departures that had already thinned the monarchy's ranks. Prince Andrew's forced withdrawal in 2019 due to his controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, followed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit to California in 2020, significantly reduced the number of working royals.
Princess Anne herself faced a health setback in June 2024 when she suffered a concussion in a horse-related incident. Despite having no memory of the accident, she returned to her duties within three weeks and recently completed a two-day visit to South Africa in January 2025.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared his perspective on Anne's position:
Princess Anne has made it clear she disagrees with the concept, associated with King Charles, of a slimmed-down monarchy. Her point was that it was already slimmed down without the Sussexes and Prince Andrew. It is certainly no surprise that the member of the royal family who usually is the hardest-working royal has no plans to retire. Senior working members of the royal family rarely do.
The Princess Royal's dedication to service mirrors her late mother's approach. In 2024, Anne participated in 457 royal engagements, surpassing King Charles's 425 appearances and significantly outpacing William's 172 and Kate's 123 engagements.
British photographer Helena Chard emphasized Anne's essential role, noting her involvement with over 300 charities, organizations, and military regiments both domestically and internationally. Her efficiency and quick thinking make her invaluable to these institutions.
The Princess Royal's commitment extends beyond current duties to mentoring the next generation. Experts note her particularly close relationship with Prince William, who admires her dedication and work ethic. She has also taken Princess Charlotte under her wing, preparing her for future royal responsibilities.
Anne's influence on the younger royals reflects a broader pattern of continuity within the monarchy. Her approach to service closely follows the example set by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who served well into their 90s before retiring or passing away.
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich emphasized Anne's reputation for dependability and no-nonsense approach, qualities that have earned her respect among both the public and younger royals. Her dedication serves as a model for maintaining the monarchy's relevance and stability in modern times.
Princess Anne's decision to continue her royal duties reflects the broader adaptation of the British monarchy to contemporary challenges. Her role has become increasingly vital as health issues affect King Charles and Kate Middleton, while the absence of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew continues to impact the institution's operations. The Princess Royal's commitment to service, extensive charity work, and mentorship of younger royals ensures continuity in the monarchy's traditions while helping navigate its transition into a more streamlined institution.
