Princess Anne, often recognized for her straightforward demeanor, has recently caught attention for her subtle jabs aimed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
While she typically refrains from directly addressing her estranged nephew and his wife, her latest remarks during a CBC interview have royal watchers buzzing.
The conversation centered around the increasingly popular notion of a slimmed-down monarchy, which has gained momentum since some senior royals opted to step back and relocate to the United States.
In her discussion, Anne expressed skepticism about the idea of reducing royal roles, particularly in light of recent events.
She noted that when there were more royals involved, the concept of streamlining might have made sense.
However, she pointedly remarked that simply vacating a position doesn’t equate to retaining respect or influence.
This seemingly innocuous comment struck a chord with those who closely follow royal affairs, as many interpreted it as a thinly veiled critique of Harry and Meghan’s dramatic departure from royal life.
This isn’t the first time Princess Anne has been rumored to cast a discerning eye toward the Sussexes.
Royal commentator Neil Sean previously suggested that Meghan’s tenure within the monarchy was short-lived, hinting that the couple had not taken kindly to Anne’s practical advice.
Reportedly, Anne stressed the importance of punctuality, commitment, and a genuine understanding of royal duty.
It seems that Meghan sought Anne’s guidance early on in her royal journey, perhaps hoping to glean wisdom from the seasoned princess.
In response, Anne’s message was crystal clear: “It’s not a working monarchy; it’s a job.”
This statement underscores the reality of royal responsibilities—clocking in, doing thorough research, and familiarizing oneself with the people and charities one represents are essential.
Moreover, Anne implied that royal duties do not come with the expectation of a red-carpet welcome at every turn.
Her no-nonsense approach appeared to resonate with many, although it seems that Meghan didn’t stick around long enough to absorb the full weight of Anne’s insights.
After all, if there’s one aspect of royal life that Meghan seemed less enthusiastic about, it was the rigorous demands of royal service.
Interestingly, Anne’s comments may not have been entirely unintentional.
Her recent low-key visit to New York City showcased her commitment to royal duty without any unnecessary fanfare.
Unlike Harry and Meghan, who often attract media attention, Anne traveled commercially with just one assistant, demonstrating a stark contrast in their approaches to royal engagements.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan continue to find themselves embroiled in a contentious legal battle concerning their security arrangements in the UK.
They insist on having police protection during public appearances, despite no longer holding official royal roles.
To Princess Anne, this situation likely appears somewhat absurd.
While she travels economy class and manages her luggage, her nephew and his wife are entangled in ongoing discussions about their security needs at events like Wimbledon.
Many royal observers see Anne’s understated travel style as a subtle critique of the Sussexes’ demands.
By showing that even senior royals can navigate public life without extensive security, she raises questions about why Harry and Meghan, who chose to step away from their royal duties, still require such protection.
Princess Anne has effectively positioned herself as the monarchy’s unofficial truth-teller.
Her thoughtful yet pointed remarks illustrate her strong beliefs about duty and responsibility, contrasting sharply with Harry and Meghan’s ongoing quest for special treatment.