Princess Anne said the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy was brought up when there were “a few more people” in the Royal Family (Image: CBC News: The National/Youtube)Sign up to our free email to get all the latest royal news and picturesMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Sign up to our free email to get all the latest royal news and picturesInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticePrincess Anne has shared her candid thoughts on the prospect of having a slimmed-down monarchy, with some interpreting her comments as being a subtle jab at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Princess Royal, who is set to celebrate her 73rd birthday next week, discussed the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy last year, expressing her doubts about the concept. Despite her brother, King Charles, supporting the proposal, she told Canadian broadcaster CBC back in May 2023 that the suggestion was made when there were “a few more people around”. Anne, known for being the ‘hardest working royal’, was interviewed by chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault who noted the difficulty of imagining her taking on more work.
Princess Anne has shared her thoughts on the prospect of having a slimmed-down monarchy
(Image: Getty Images)
“Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ (monarchy) was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment,” Anne said. Her reference to “a few more people” led some to speculate that it was a swipe at Harry and Meghan, who chose to step down as working royals, as well as Prince Andrew who withdrew from public life. However, it could also be a nod to the late Queen and Prince Philip. When asked about the changing world, Anne responded that it didn’t “sound like a good idea”, and when questioned if there are “conversations about relevance”, she replied: “There will be, everywhere. It’s not a conversation that I would necessarily have,” reports the Mirror. Sign up to OK’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
People speculated that her comments were made in reference of the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex stepping back as working royals
(Image: 2019 Getty Images)
When questioned about handling public opinion following a poll suggesting many are against the monarchy’s future, she responded frankly. “Well, we don’t in many respects need to deal with it, not least of all because it is the monarch that is the key to this, and the constitution that underpins the monarchy,” she said. “We as a family see ourselves there to support that role. What we do, we hope, contributes to the monarchy and the way in which it can convey continuity, of not just interest, but of service, of understanding, the way that people in communities want to live their lives.”
The Princess Royal said a slimmed-down monarchy didn’t “sound like a good idea”
(Image: GETTY)
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has previously shared her opinions of having a slimmed down monarchy in the wake of King Charles and the Princess Of Wales’ health battles this year. “I’m not sure the Princess Royal can cram any more into her incredibly busy diary, but I’m sure she will, if she can. The Edinburghs will no doubt step in whenever they can to help spread the load… and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are always willing to help,” she told OK! in January. She added: “However, from a PR perspective, I think it’s much better for the Royal Family to be criticised for being too few rather than too many. The King has been resolute in his determination to slim down the monarchy and the current situation will convince him to change tack. I think he’s right.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnMeghan MarklePrince AndrewPrince HarryPrincess AnneRoyal Family
