In a remarkable display of dedication, Princess Anne has once again proven her unwavering commitment to the British monarchy, emerging as the hardest-working royal of 2023.
With an astounding 457 engagements under her belt, she has set a standard that few can match.
Royal experts believe her tireless work ethic signals that retirement is not on her horizon anytime soon.
Princess Anne’s achievement isn’t just a one-off; she previously topped this list in 2022 and has consistently demonstrated her devotion throughout her royal career.
Her hard work stands in stark contrast to the challenges facing King Charles, who followed closely behind with 425 engagements this year.
Experts warn that he might face hurdles as he attempts to implement a more streamlined monarchy.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a noted royal commentator, spoke to Express.co.uk about Princess Anne’s remarkable contributions.
He highlighted her preference for staying out of the limelight, suggesting she finds little appeal in the trappings of celebrity.
This humility, coupled with her strong sense of duty, makes it clear that she’s likely to remain active in her role for the foreseeable future.
The current landscape of the monarchy is particularly noteworthy.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that only four working royals are under the age of 70, which raises questions about the future of royal engagements.
Among these are the well-known figures of Prince William and Princess Catherine, whose children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—are still too young to take on significant roles in royal duties.
King Charles has long been an advocate for reducing the number of working royals, a vision he reiterated when he took the throne last year.
However, recent developments, including the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal duties in 2020, have added complexity to this plan.
The potential for burnout among the remaining royals is a concern that has not gone unnoticed.
Fitzwilliams emphasizes that with the average age of the working royals steadily rising, the sustainability of current engagement levels is in jeopardy.
As the number of active royals dwindles, the burden of public appearances falls increasingly on those who remain, potentially leading to fatigue and reduced effectiveness.