Aunt-nephew dynamic strained as Princess Royal carries heavier load during family crisis
Princess Anne, widely respected as the most industrious member of the royal family, is said to be growing increasingly frustrated with Prince William over the division of royal duties—particularly as the monarchy navigates a period of uncertainty.
Sources close to the Princess Royal reveal that while she maintains a strong relationship with her nephew, Anne has become quietly exasperated over his limited involvement in certain key responsibilities, especially Investitures—ceremonial events where royal honors are awarded.
“She’s still doing most of the Investitures at Windsor, even though William lives there. It annoys her,” an insider told the press, highlighting a subtle tension that has emerged between the senior royals.
At 74, Princess Anne continues to surpass her relatives in royal duties. Last year, she undertook an impressive 474 engagements—more than any other royal, including King Charles, who managed 372 while undergoing cancer treatment. Despite her age and workload, Anne remains as committed as ever, but even she appears to have her limits.
The strain is particularly evident as only three royals—the King, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal—are authorised to conduct Investiture ceremonies. With the monarch temporarily sidelined, Anne and William are expected to share the burden, but insiders say the Princess is doing more than her fair share.
Anne, who turns 75 in August, has declined any public fanfare to mark her milestone, instead opting for a modest commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint. Simply inscribed “The Princess Royal. Celebrating 75 years. Duty and devotion,” the coin reflects the ethos by which she has long served the Crown.
While Prince William is said to admire his aunt's dedication deeply, her growing concern appears to stem from a desire to see him embrace more of the “bread-and-butter” royal duties that sustain the monarchy's daily connection with the public.
As the royal family continues to adjust to reduced numbers and ongoing health challenges, Princess Anne’s quiet dissatisfaction may serve as a timely reminder: loyalty and service come with expectations—and for the future king, those expectations are only increasing.
