King Charles III has continued to demonstrate his commitment to tradition and service by recognizing the unwavering dedication of his sister, Princess Anne. In the modern monarchy, where adaptation and continuity must go hand in hand, Princess Anne has emerged as one of the royal family’s most respected and tireless members.
While there is no verified record of Queen Camilla being “surprised” or “objecting” to any new honor for Anne—despite rumors circulated in some tabloids—what is confirmed is Princess Anne’s long-standing reputation for hard work and her trusted position within King Charles’s inner circle. This article looks at Princess Anne’s real titles and honors, King Charles’s respect for her service, and her role in shaping the monarchy’s future.
Sources:
- Royal.uk
- BBC News
- The Guardian
Princess Anne: The Princess Royal
Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. In 1987, Queen Elizabeth II formally gave Anne the title Princess Royal, an honor traditionally bestowed on the monarch’s eldest daughter.
The Princess Royal is known for her exceptional work ethic. She routinely ranks among the busiest members of the royal family in terms of annual public engagements. According to BBC News, she carried out over 400 engagements in a single year, highlighting her commitment to representing the monarchy at home and abroad.
Honors and Positions
Princess Anne holds numerous military titles and ceremonial roles across the UK and the Commonwealth. For instance:
- Colonel-in-Chief of several regiments, including the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
- Gold Stick in Waiting, a ceremonial role at coronations and state events. She served in this role at King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023, where she rode on horseback as part of the procession, providing a striking and popular image of continuity and tradition.
Her coronation role was widely interpreted as a sign of King Charles’s trust and respect. As The Guardian reported, she acted as his personal bodyguard for the ceremonial route, underscoring her loyalty and status as one of his most dependable family members.
Sources:
- Royal.uk
- The Guardian
King Charles III’s Relationship with Princess Anne
King Charles III and Princess Anne have shared royal duties for decades. As siblings close in age, they often appeared together at state events even before Charles became King.
Charles has made clear his respect for Anne’s dedication. She has frequently supported him at public events, and her participation in the Coronation, including a leading role in the procession, was widely seen as a testament to their strong working partnership.
In public appearances, they often exchange warm gestures and smiles, reinforcing their visible unity in supporting the monarchy.
Sources:
- BBC News
- Royal.uk
No Change to Her Children’s Status
A common point of curiosity about Princess Anne is the status of her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall. Despite being grandchildren of a monarch, they do not hold royal titles.
This was Princess Anne’s deliberate choice. As BBC News has reported, Anne declined titles for her children so they could have greater freedom and privacy. Both have gone on to establish careers outside the core royal family while maintaining close family ties.
There is no verified information or official plan to alter their status as part of any new honors for Princess Anne.
Queen Camilla’s Role
Queen Camilla, as Consort, has taken on a prominent public role since King Charles III’s accession. She supports the King at state occasions, charitable events, and overseas visits.
Camilla is also Patron or President of over 90 charities and organizations, with a particular focus on literacy, domestic abuse awareness, and animal welfare.
There is no reputable evidence of tension between Queen Camilla and Princess Anne over any honors or roles. Public appearances consistently show them cooperating respectfully at official events.
Sources:
- Royal.uk
- BBC News
A Lifetime of Service
Princess Anne’s commitment is reflected in her support for over 300 charities, military units, and organizations worldwide. She has championed causes including Save the Children, with whom she has traveled extensively, and has worked to raise awareness of health, sport, and education issues.
King Charles III’s reign has emphasized streamlined yet effective royal service. Anne’s continued prominence aligns with this vision of a hardworking, modern monarchy focused on meaningful public engagement.
Sources:
- Royal.uk
- The Guardian
A Model of Modern Royal Duty
As King Charles balances tradition with modernization, Princess Anne represents the royal family’s enduring commitment to duty without fuss or drama.
Her role during the Coronation weekend, including acting as Gold Stick in Waiting, sent a powerful message about loyalty, stability, and the importance of family support during a historic transition.
Observers widely praised her for embodying the values of service and humility.
Conclusion
Rather than palace intrigue or rumored conflicts, the true story of King Charles III and Princess Anne is one of mutual respect and shared dedication to service.
By continuing to rely on Princess Anne’s experience, King Charles signals his trust in her ability to help guide the monarchy through its evolving role in the 21st century.
Far from disrupting family dynamics, her enduring prominence strengthens the royal family’s connection to the British public and its traditions.
Verified Sources:
- Royal.uk
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- The Telegraph