Princess Anne is renowned for being the hardest-working member of the royal family, but her role could be at risk of being cut.
There is speculation the Princess Royal might be forced to cut back her official duties when prince charles takes the throne, under his rumored plans for a slimmed-back monarchy.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, too, could see their workload reduced in favor of less working royals under King Charles III.
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Princess Anne, who is celebrating her 72nd birthday today (August 15), is often named the busiest member of the monarchy.
Last year she carried out 368 official engagements, winning the title for the second year running. Prince Charles was a close second.
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But that busy schedule could be coming to an end.
royal correspondent for The ExpressRichard Palmer, speculated about Princess Anne’s future role.
“It’s possible that, but not certain, that there will be a role for her [Princess Anne] in the change of reign,” he told the Royal Round Up podcast.
“[Although] she may want to take a back seat.”
He compared the Princess Royal’s workload to the Cambridges, who get much more publicity.
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In July, for example, Princess Anne had 36 engagements in her diary while Prince William and Kate had far less.
“The Cambridges have made the odd appearance, with the Commonwealth Games, but they have been off an awful lot,” he said.
“The positive side of that, they are keen to give their children a normal and upbringing as possible.
“But Princess Anne is very hard-working. She does a lot of the heavy lifting.”
He also suggested Prince Edward and Sophie’s roles might one day changesaying there was a “big question mark” on their futures.
However, both Princess Anne and the Wessexes have increased their workload after the Queen was forced to reduce her own schedule due to mobility issues since October.
Their engagements have also increased in the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure as senior working royals.
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