Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated working members of the British royal family. Known for her no-nonsense approach, tireless work ethic, and strong sense of duty, Anne has long been a guiding force within the monarchy. As she celebrates her 75th birthday on August 15, 2025, her words of advice to younger generations of royals remain particularly relevant at a time when the monarchy continues to adapt to modern expectations.

Princess Anne’s 2020 Advice: “Don’t Reinvent the Wheel”

In a 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, Princess Anne offered a candid message for the next generation of royals, including Princes William and Harry. She emphasized the importance of respecting established traditions and learning from the experiences of past royal duties.

Anne stated that younger royals should not focus on “reinventing the wheel” when it comes to service, cautioning that certain approaches had already been tried and found ineffective. She encouraged a return to “basics” — focusing on consistent commitment to duty, community engagement, and representing the Crown faithfully.

Her comments reflected her broader belief that while innovation is sometimes valuable, the strength of the monarchy lies in continuity, discipline, and loyalty to the role.

A Lifetime of Royal Service

Princess Anne’s perspective carries significant weight due to her long-standing commitment to public service. According to the official Royal Family website, she undertakes hundreds of engagements each year and has consistently ranked as one of the hardest-working royals for decades.

Some highlights of her service include:

• Charitable Work: Patron or president of more than 300 charities, organizations, and military regiments.

• International Humanitarian Role: President of Save the Children UK since 1970, representing the charity worldwide.

• Olympic Contributions: A former Olympian herself (equestrian at the 1976 Montreal Games), she later became a member of the International Olympic Committee.

• Military Affiliations: Holds several honorary military titles, reflecting her support for the UK’s Armed Forces.

Her extensive track record underlines why her advice is grounded in lived experience and practical knowledge.

Reported Tensions Over Royal Duties

In recent years, reports have surfaced about potential differences between Princess Anne and Prince William regarding the distribution of ceremonial duties.

According to The Sunday Times, Princess Anne has shouldered a significant portion of investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle — formal events in which individuals receive honors and awards on behalf of the monarch. Despite Prince William living nearby at Adelaide Cottage, Anne has reportedly traveled from her residence at Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucestershire (a 90-minute journey) to carry out many of these duties.

While no official comment was made by either Anne or William, the reports suggested Anne was pragmatic but somewhat frustrated that more of the responsibilities had not been delegated to the Prince of Wales, who is gradually taking on more from his father, King Charles III.

A Bond Despite Differences

Despite occasional differences in approach, Princess Anne and Prince William share a strong relationship marked by mutual respect. They are frequently seen supporting each other during significant state and royal events.

After Princess Anne suffered a horse-riding accident in June 2024, William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, publicly expressed their admiration for her resilience, calling her a “super trooper.” This acknowledgment reflected the affection and respect that exists between the generations, even when opinions on certain royal duties may diverge.

Princess Anne herself has shared fond recollections of William’s early years. In past interviews, she recalled playful races with him around Balmoral Castle, humorously noting that her skill was best in handling the corners. These lighthearted stories underscore the warmth behind their family bond.

Public Perception of Princess Anne

Public opinion polls frequently reflect high levels of respect for Princess Anne. A YouGov survey on royal popularity in the UK consistently ranks her among the top royals admired for dedication and work ethic. Unlike some of her younger relatives, she tends to attract less media scrutiny, largely because she avoids controversy and focuses on her duties.

Her reputation as one of the most hard-working and down-to-earth royals has earned her a loyal following. Many members of the public view her as a model of what royal service should represent: humility, persistence, and unwavering dedication.

The Next Generation of Royals

As the monarchy transitions into King Charles III’s reign and eventually Prince William’s, younger royals face the challenge of balancing tradition with modernization. Issues such as public expectations, global visibility through social media, and ongoing debates about the monarchy’s relevance make their task complex.

Princess Anne’s advice remains a reminder that while innovation is important, the foundation of royal duty lies in service and consistency. For the monarchy to remain respected, its members must balance adapting to the times with preserving the traditions that have defined the Crown for centuries.

Conclusion

Princess Anne’s message to the younger royals — to avoid “reinventing the wheel” — reflects the wisdom of a lifetime dedicated to service. As she marks her 75th birthday, her perspective continues to resonate in conversations about the future of the monarchy.

Her decades of unwavering commitment to duty, combined with her candid nature, make her one of the most respected voices within the royal family. Whether or not the next generation fully embraces her advice, her legacy will remain one of discipline, tradition, and resilience.

The future of the monarchy will likely combine both tradition and modernity. In this balance, Princess Anne’s example will serve as an enduring guide for generations to come.