In the ongoing race for the title of hardest-working royal, Princess Anne has taken decisive action to ensure that Duchess Sophie doesn’t steal her thunder.
This month, the numbers tell a compelling story: while Princess Anne has lined up an impressive 75 engagements, Duchess Sophie is set to complete only nine.
It’s a stark contrast that highlights the competitive spirit between the two royals.
According to the official court circular and royal diary, Anne’s schedule is packed, whereas Sophie’s appears rather sparse.
Yet, insiders suggest that Sophie may have more in store than what meets the eye.
With additional appointments in Malta and other undisclosed locations, her total engagements could rise.
However, even with these extra commitments, she still falls significantly short of Princess Anne’s robust lineup.
Despite this rivalry, sources indicate that both Anne and Sophie share a lighthearted view of the competition.
The race is on, and it seems that Anne is poised to overtake Sophie this October.
Just last month, Sophie was leading the charge, but the tides have turned, and Anne is ready to reclaim her title as the royal workhorse.
The Sunday Express recently reported that Sophie had dramatically increased her commitments in September, more than doubling her engagements from the previous year.
With around 40 royal appearances last month, she appeared on track to challenge Anne’s longstanding reputation as the hardest working royal.
In contrast, Princess Anne saw a decrease in her activities, with her September engagements dropping from 20 to just 15.
At 74, Princess Anne has long been celebrated for her tireless work ethic.
Last month, she made headlines by participating in a poignant event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, an occasion dear to King Charles.
Meanwhile, Sophie, at 59, has stepped up as a vital member of the royal family, often filling in during the absences of King Charles and the Princess of Wales.
Sophie’s increased visibility comes after Princess Anne faced some health challenges earlier this year.
Following treatment for a cancer diagnosis and recovering from a horse kick accident at her country home, Anne had to take a step back in June and July.
Despite these setbacks, she remains a formidable presence in royal duties.
In recent weeks, Sophie has ramped up her efforts both domestically and internationally.
On October 5, she engaged with the International Space Station while visiting the Brooklands Motor Museum in Surrey.
Her commitment to various causes, including her role as the new patron of girl-guiding, showcases her dedication to her royal responsibilities.
Sophie’s global outreach has also been noteworthy.
She recently traveled to Tanzania to raise awareness about trachoma, a preventable disease that can lead to blindness.
Last year, she made history by being the first princess to visit Baghdad, Iraq, further solidifying her role in international royal duties.
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