Princess Anne’s Call for ‘Slimmed-Down’ Monarchy Hints at Harry and Meghan

In a revealing interview with Adrienne Arsenault last year, Princess Anne expressed her skepticism towards the idea of a ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy, particularly given her increasing royal responsibilities. Anne’s remarks seemed to allude to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and possibly Prince Andrew, as key figures in this discussion.

The Princess Royal subtly referenced the suggestion for fewer working royals, which seemed more acceptable when there were “a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment.” Her comments come amid significant changes within the royal family, including the loss of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and the advancing age of other working royals such as the Duke of Kent and Duke of Gloucester.

Anne candidly stated, “It doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing,” reflecting on the current strain on the monarchy. She emphasized the ongoing discussions about the relevance of the monarchy, noting its critical role in providing long-term stability, which is difficult to achieve otherwise.

With her consistent and tireless work ethic, Princess Anne is among the busiest members of the Royal Family, taking on numerous engagements each year. She highlighted the family’s commitment to supporting the monarchy’s continuity, service, and understanding of community needs. Anne also underscored the importance of showcasing the positive contributions of communities, in contrast to often negative media portrayals.

As King Charles takes on his new role, Anne’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges and debates within the royal family about maintaining relevance and stability in a modern context. Her views suggest a push for recognizing the essential contributions of all working royals, rather than focusing on reducing their numbers.