Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has a fascination that dates back to her childhood—an unwavering love for lighthouses.
While Prince Andrew has recently taken up plane tracking, Anne’s passion has been a constant in her life since she was just five years old.
This quirky interest, which may seem unusual to some, reveals a deeper connection to history and nature.
As the patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board, the 74-year-old royal has had ample opportunities to explore numerous lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Her role has not only allowed her to indulge in her passion but also to promote the significance of these iconic structures.
In fact, she contributed the foreword to a book titled Scottish and Makes Lighthouses, published in 2015, where she eloquently expressed her admiration for their beauty and historical importance.
In her foreword, Anne described the remote locations of these lighthouses and their breathtaking natural surroundings, as captured by photographer Ian Cowell.
Her words paint a vivid picture of the landscapes where these beacons stand tall, symbolizing resilience and human ingenuity.
Anne has often remarked that lighthouses exemplify man’s determination to coexist harmoniously with nature.
The Princess Royal’s fascination isn’t just a passing fancy; it’s deeply rooted in her appreciation for the courage and vision of those who built these structures.
According to reports from The Sun, Anne believes that lighthouses serve as enduring symbols of humanity’s tenacity and altruism.
She has expressed a desire to visit every significant lighthouse in Scotland, which totals 208, and it appears she is well on her way to achieving this goal.
Interestingly, Anne’s love for lighthouses even made its way into popular culture.
The fifth season of Netflix’s The Crown featured a storyline where a character took the late Queen Elizabeth II on a tour of a lighthouse, showcasing the royal family’s unique interests in a lighthearted manner.
But Princess Anne isn’t the only royal with a specialized hobby.
The late Prince Philip had a keen passion for cooking, often seen at barbecues, as Prince William reminisced in a BBC film.
Meanwhile, King Charles shared how much his father enjoyed culinary endeavors, particularly grilling.
The younger generation of royals also embraces their own interests.