Princess Anne found herself by her mother’s side as Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last earlier this month at the residence she cherished in the Scottish highlands.
Her brother Charles, the heir to the throne, swiftly made his way from Dumfries House in Scotland to join Anne in bidding their mother farewell.
Reflecting on the poignant moments, Princess Anne expressed gratitude for being able to spend the final 24 hours of her beloved mother’s life by her side, accompanying her on her last journeys.
The journey of Princess Anne’s mother from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh and then onward to London was a significant one, with Anne choosing to have her mother’s coffin accompany her on this solemn voyage.
As the only daughter of the Queen, Anne has always held a unique position within the House of Windsor.
Known for her close bond with her parents, both of whom were renowned Olympians and hardworking members of the royal family, Anne has consistently outshone her brother in terms of formal engagements, having undertaken 387 compared to his 385 in the past year.
Despite being 16th in line to the throne, Princess Anne’s influence within the royal family is set to grow.
Renowned for her straightforward demeanor, signature hairstyle, and strong work ethic, Anne has often stayed out of the limelight while her siblings grappled with various scandals and controversies.
However, speculations are rife that she may soon step into a more prominent role as one of her brother’s most trusted advisors, potentially even taking over key responsibilities if Charles is unable to fulfill his official duties.
The winds of change may be blowing through the royal corridors, as rumors suggest that King Charles III is contemplating a reshuffle of the council of state following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Governed by the 1937 Regency Act, this council comprises individuals who are next in line to the throne and have attained the age of 21.
Among them, two or more are designated as councillors of state to act on behalf of the monarch in case of temporary incapacity.
King Charles is reportedly considering revising the law to ensure that only working royals are part of this council, thereby relieving non-working members like Prince Andrew, Prince Harry, and Princess Beatrice of their duties.
This proposed change could pave the way for Princess Anne and Prince Edward to assume more significant roles within the council, given their active involvement in royal duties.
Princess Anne’s stature within the royal family is poised to ascend following her mother’s demise.
Despite her lower position in the line of succession, Anne has surpassed Queen Consort Camilla to become the most senior female royal in the House of Windsor, owing to her years of dedicated service to the monarchy.
Not one to shy away from imparting wisdom to the younger generation of royals eager for change, Anne has positioned herself as a guiding force, urging a departure from traditional approaches in favor of innovation and progress.