Princess Royal noted in a rare broadcast before the coronation that the monarchy provides “stability” and “long-term benefits.”
Princess Anne explored the monarchy’s future in a rare broadcast interview, saying “the time is right” to consider its relevance.
The Princess Royal believes that the monarchy provides “stability” and “long-term benefits.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the Canadian news station CBC News, Princess Anne stated that when it comes to the King, “you know what you’re getting” and that her position is still one of support.
She is the only senior working royal who has been granted an interview before the coronation.
The chief correspondent for the CBC, Adrienne Arsenault, brought up the concept of a streamlined monarchy. And stated that it is difficult to imagine the 72-year-old princess taking on additional responsibilities.
Anne responded, “Well, I believe the term lender monarchy’ was coined during a time when there were more people present to justify such a remark.”
When told that the world changes, Anne responded, “It changes a little. I must admit, it doesn’t sound like a good idea to me from where I’m standing. I’m not sure what else, if anything, we can do.”
Anne also discussed the impact COVID had on her father, Prince Philip, stating, “I think it stole a bit from my father, who lost a lot of people who would have gone to see him, who kept him interested, and he lost all of that.
Princess Royal was interviewed at St. James’s Palace about monarchy critics.
She said, “It’s not a conversation I would necessarily have. But it’s certainly true that it’s a time when you need to have that discussion.”
However, the monarchy and constitution provide long-term stability that is hard to achieve otherwise.
Given the rarity of royal interviews, Anne’s words offer valuable insight from a senior monarch.
Regarding the position and responsibilities of her brother, the King, she stated, “You know what you’re receiving because he’s been practicing for a while, and he won’t change. He is devoted to his standard of service. This will hold.”
Princess Anne joked when asked about her ceremonial role as “Gold-Stick-in-Waiting,” traveling behind the King and Queen after the ceremony, “I said ‘yes’ because it solves my dress problem.”
