Princess Anne, known for her relentless dedication to Royal duties, has been dubbed the “workhorse” of the Royal family, according to Royal correspondents Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey from The Times. This moniker comes as the Princess Royal, at 74, continues to undertake a significant number of Royal engagements.
The journalists discussed this while reflecting on Anne’s recent visit to South Africa where she laid wreaths and engaged with equine-related organisations. They also touched upon her accident last year that led to a hospital stay, stating: “She’s also, for the first time really, opened up about the accident that put her in hospital with concussion last summer.”
They added, “The Princess Royal says she still recalls nothing about the incident on her Gatcombe Park estate that led to her five-night stay in hospital. She’s been speaking to the press on her trip to South Africa.”
When asked about retirement, the Princess reportedly responded in her typical fashion: ‘It isn’t really an option’.
The journalists further noted: “We always call her a workhorse, the work horse of the Royal Family. I don’t think she would mind that description given her love of all things equine and hard work,” reports GloucestershireLive.
Despite Princess Anne taking on more Royal duties following the cancer diagnoses of her brother King Charles and niece-in-law Kate Middleton, attention is gradually shifting towards her daughter Zara Tindall and son-in-law Mike Tindall.
Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that Zara and Mike Tindall may follow in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by moving abroad.
This has led experts to ponder the implications for Princess Anne’s estate, estimated to be worth around £6m, upon her passing. Terry Fisher, speaking to the Daily Express, suggested that the couple’s potential move could “raise questions” about their involvement in the maintenance of Gatcombe Park.
He explained: “The estate is privately owned by Princess Anne, so it’s not subject to the same rules as Royal residences tied to the Crown Estate.
“However, physical distance could raise questions about their future role in its upkeep and management.” Fisher also noted the significance of Gatcombe Park to Zara’s equestrian career, hosting events such as horse trials. He said: “If they step away permanently, it might be seen as a symbolic shift away from their UK-based roots.
“In conclusion, Fisher stated that much would hinge on how deeply and firmly Zara and Mike decide to establish themselves in Australia.
He speculated: “There’s always the possibility that they’d look to lease or sell any property interests, especially if their life becomes more firmly rooted in Australia.”
