The Princess Royal Reveals the Demands of Being a Working Royal in a Rare Interview
Princess Anne has made rare and candid comments about the strict expectations placed on working members of the royal family. In a revealing interview from the 1981 documentary Princess Anne: Her Working Life, the Princess Royal discussed the pressures of maintaining a cheerful demeanor during official engagements, both in the UK and abroad.
As one of the hardest-working royals, Anne emphasized the importance of staying positive and energetic, even when it’s difficult. "You must be nice and bright and cheerful, even if you may not necessarily feel like it," she shared, highlighting the demands of her role.
Anne also touched on the significance of having a supportive companion during royal duties, stating, "On official engagements, what you require is a companion." The 74-year-old royal, often accompanied by her husband Sir Timothy Laurence on official trips, stressed the importance of choosing the right partner for such demanding work.
However, she pointed out the challenges of being accompanied by someone who is not fully engaged. "It's no good to me if then, you know, you get somebody turning up in the morning looking like death and furious… And you know, ratty about life and non-communicative, and when they go out on a trip, they're standing in a corner looking glum and bored," Anne remarked, emphasizing the need for a positive and communicative presence.
These insights from Princess Anne offer a rare glimpse into the often unseen challenges of royal life, shedding light on the emotional and social demands that come with the role.
