Princess Anne’s hard-working nature inspired by royal ‘role models’ as ‘age is not a thing to her’

Princess Anne's hard-working nature was discussed in the 2020 documentary in honor of her 70th birthday

Princess Anne's hard-working nature revealed, seen here the Princess Royal holds a gifted scarf made from St James Quarter tartan
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for St James Quarter)

Princess Anne’s hard-working nature and decision not to slow down is inspired by “role models” as “age is not a thing to her”, her children revealed.  


In recent years the second of the late Queen’s children, Princess Anne, has been found to be the hardest working royal, undertaking a staggering number of engagements both at home and abroad. In the weeks following Queen Elizabeth’s death and the accession of King Charles, the Princess Royal has remained committed to her royal duties, with trips to Edinburgh and New York. And it seems that Princess Anne’s hard-working nature can be traced back to an example set by certain “role models”. 

Giving fans a unique insight on the 2020 documentary, Anne: The Princess Royal at 70 in honor of her 70th birthday, Princess Anne’s children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall opened up about her almost boundless energy.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal unveils foundation stone for St James Quarter

(Image credit: Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images for St James Quarter)

“She’s got so much more energy than anyone that I know at 70,” Peter explained, before pausing to reflect upon how the Princess Royal has this in common with many of her close relatives as he added, “Well, apart from various members of our family. She certainly doesn’t act [70].”

“Age is not a thing to her,” Zara shared. “It’s very much, the more she keeps doing, the younger she’ll stay.”

It was then that Peter remarked upon how Princess Anne’s hard-working nature has been inspired by the example set for her by “role models”.

“She always says she doesn’t have very good role models for slowing down,” he said, as Zara murmured, “No, that’s true”. 

Anne, Princess Royal, Peter Phillips and Zara Phillips view the flowers left by mourners outside Balmoral Castle

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Although these “role models” weren’t specified, given their earlier remark about “various members of our family” also working hard in later years, it could be seen as a lovely nod to Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth. 

The Duke of Edinburgh worked tirelessly as the Queen’s consort until he retired from public duties aged 96 in 2017. Meanwhile, throughout all 70 years of Queen’s reign, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch showcased her unwavering dedication to her royal duties as Sovereign. Just days before she passed away, the Queen received the new British Prime Minister Liz Truss and officially appointed her to her new role. 

Whilst lockdown even saw Her Majesty master video calling to carry out engagements virtually. At the time, The Mirror reported that Majesty Magazine Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Seward expressed her belief to Sky News that the Queen was keeping busy at Windsor Castle and referenced a reported saying of hers that highlighted her commitment to not slowing down. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations

(Image credit: Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

“She'll be very unused to this, although of course she's been working on her state papers from her red box,” she claimed. “She'll probably be doing some of the things we've been doing, like going through drawers, maybe doing her photo albums. She always says 'if I stop, I drop'."

This focus on always carrying out her duties mirrors the Queen’s 21st birthday message in 1947 when she declared, “[M]y whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”. 

Princess Anne’s hard-working nature could certainly be seen to echo that of both of her parents, who chose not to be “slowing down” themselves in later life. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!