Princess Anne has revealed her stance on retirement, explaining that stepping down from royal duties is “not really an option” for her. Known as the hardest-working royal, Anne made the comment after completing the royal family’s first foreign tour of the year, a visit to South Africa.
While her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, retired from royal duties in 2017 at the age of 96 after supporting Queen Elizabeth II for over 65 years, Princess Anne has no plans to follow suit.
When asked about her own future, the 73-year-old princess responded bluntly, “It really isn’t written in, no. It isn’t really an option, no, I don’t think so.”
As Anne approaches her 75th birthday in August, she is expected to remain the royal with the most engagements under her belt. She told the PA news agency, “I don’t think there’s a retirement programme on this particular life.”
Royal Duty in Cape Town
During her recent trip to Cape Town, Princess Anne performed several royal duties, including laying a wreath at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) memorial, the first to honor black South Africans and other races who died as First World War laborers supporting Britain’s war effort in Africa.
As CWGC president, a role she took over from the Duke of Kent in 2023, Anne has continued his work in recognizing the sacrifices of these individuals.
She reflected on her new role, saying, “I’m very lucky to take on from the Duke of Kent the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but he’s been doing that for a very long time. He did it very well and covered the globe in support of them.”
She acknowledged that the Duke had been reluctant to give up the role but had done so due to his advancing age and physical limitations.
A Lifelong Commitment
As one of the most dedicated members of King Charles’ streamlined monarchy, Princess Anne has been consistently recognized as the hardest-working royal.
Known for her no-nonsense approach and unwavering commitment to royal duties, she has been a key figure in supporting King Charles, especially during his recent health challenges.
Princess Anne’s royal career began in 1969 when, at 18, she carried out her first public engagement.
Since then, she has built long-lasting relationships with various charities, including Save the Children, where she became president and later patron.
