Princess Anne has been a key figure in the royal family for decades, and has reportedly become frustrated with her nephew, Prince William, over one particular decision
12:54 ET, 23 Jul 2025Updated 12:54 ET, 23 Jul 2025
Prince William is next in line to the British throne(Image: Daniela Porcelli, Getty Images)
Princess Anne has long been recognized as the hardest working member of the British royal family, representing the Firm at numerous events.
Just last week, The Royal Mint honored her dedication with a commemorative coin celebrating her “unwavering commitment” to the Palace. Although the Princess Royal has served as King Charles’ trusted ally throughout much of his life, backing the monarchy wholeheartedly, reports suggest a choice made by her nephew, Prince William, is starting to “annoy” Anne.
An insider close to the princess has revealed that as William advances in his Prince of Wales duties, his aunt wishes one aspect would shift. The source claimed that Anne hopes to see William take on more “bread and butter” royal engagements, explaining that only she, the King and William conduct the investitures, the official ceremonies where recipients of royal honors receive their insignia.
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Although some of these ceremonies occur at Buckingham Palace, many take place at Windsor Castle, close to the Prince of Wales’ Adelaide Cottage residence, reports the Mirror. A source near Anne told The Times, “She’s still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her.”
Prince William walked in the procession with Princess Anne and Prince Edward during the Order of the Garter Service at Windsor Castle in June 2024(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The royal family’s official website states that approximately 30 investitures take place annually, with more than 60 recipients participating in each ceremony, noting, “Investitures also happen occasionally at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, or overseas during State or Royal visits. Investitures are hosted by The King, The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales.”
During another part of the interview, Anne’s close friend discussed her other nephew, Prince Harry, suggesting that the Duke of Sussex should contact his aunt to help create a better pathway toward reconciliation with the broader royal family.
The Princess Royal has long been recognized as the hardest-working member of the royal family(Image: Hoda Davaine, Getty Images)
Fresh rumors about a potential reunion between Harry and the Firm emerged after senior advisors to both the Duke of Sussex and King Charles were seen meeting privately in London, sparking widespread belief that peace negotiations between the distant father and son might be possible. Although many are hoping for a royal reconciliation, a source near Anne suggested that the Princess Royal could facilitate the healing process, given the similarities between her experiences and Harry’s situation.
Anne, who was also recognized as the “spare” behind her brother Charles, might possess crucial understanding of the Sussexes’ perspective regarding their departure from royal duties, as the source informed The Times, “He really ought to talk to Princess Anne. She often talked about how, as children, she was treated so differently from Charles. She was second to him and kicked further down the line of succession as a woman, but she forged her own path.
A source claimed Princess Anne could facilitate the process of reconciliation between Prince Harry and the other royals(Image: Getty Images)
“In her twenties she was bolshy and upset about a lot of things, but she came through that. He should talk to her about her experiences. She is shrewd. She could tell him a lot about what she went through.”
The Princess Royal is frequently seen as the hardest working member of the royal family, having attended 474 engagements last year, compared to King Charles’ 372. Anne has been a pillar in the King’s streamlined working monarchy, taking on a significant role in supporting Charles following his cancer diagnosis.
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