Princess Anne, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter and a long-standing figure of royal diligence, has reportedly taken a keen interest in Prince William’s future responsibilities as king. Royal experts, including Ian Pelham Turner, have voiced their belief that Anne is actively encouraging William to improve his work ethic and take on more traditional royal duties, particularly those that she continues to perform with steadfast dedication. These duties include investitures, where senior royals confer medals on individuals for exceptional contributions, traditionally held at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Turner, speaking to Fox News Digital, noted that while William has faced allegations of being ‘work-shy,’ Anne has been unrelenting in her efforts to ensure he fulfills his role as a future monarch. According to the outlet, Anne finds it unsettling that William, who resides near Windsor Castle, often avoids participating in these investitures, which are a cornerstone of royal duty. Sources close to Anne have reportedly stated that she feels it is her responsibility to carry out these events since William is based nearby, a situation that has allegedly caused her frustration over time.
The issue has been further highlighted by a recent report in The Sunday Times, which detailed how William’s behavior toward his aunt has been a source of irritation. The article noted that while Anne continues to perform these ceremonial duties, William has been observed skipping out on some of them, a move that has clearly not gone unnoticed by his aunt. This generational disparity in royal responsibilities, where Anne favors the consistent performance of ‘bread-and-butter’ engagements while William gravitates toward more prominent events, has sparked debates among royal commentators.
Amanda Matta, a royal commentator, explained that Anne’s reputation for diligently carrying out everyday royal duties has long been a hallmark of her service. In contrast, William’s approach has often been perceived as more concerned with the symbolic implications of his role rather than the routine work that keeps the monarchy functional. Matta noted that with fewer working royals available to perform such tasks, Anne has a vested interest in seeing William take on more of the foundational aspects of royal service, even if it means stepping beyond his comfort zone.
Despite the reported tensions, Anne remains a staunch supporter of William and is expected to be by his side should he ascend to the throne. The mutual respect between the two, as highlighted by British royals expert Hilary Fordwich, underscores the complex relationship that exists within the royal family. Fordwich emphasized that while their approaches to royal duties differ, their shared commitment to the monarchy’s evolution is evident.
On the personal front, recent events have shown that William is deeply committed to maintaining a balanced approach to his role. After sustaining a horse-related injury, Anne recently returned to work, a testament to her dedication. William and his wife, Catherine, publicly praised her resilience, reinforcing the bond between the two. According to Fordwich, this mutual respect, along with the broader support for William’s role as a future king, suggests that the future of the monarchy may involve a collaborative effort between William and his aunt, with both working to ensure the institution’s continued relevance and stability.