Royal editor Emily Nash has described what it is like to work alongside Princess Anne, who is known for her "quick sense of humour" and is considered one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family.
The 76-year-old attended an engagement at the University of York's athletics track on September 28, where Ms Nash had the rare opportunity to join her. In HELLO magazine, Ms Nash wrote that Anne "made a low-key arrival" and "stepped out of the car" with her lady-in-waiting already present.
A low-key arrival in York
Ms Nash noted that Anne "famously abhors fuss of any kind and prefers to go about her business without a press pack following her every move." She added: "She was straight into the handshakes, asking everyone who they were, where they had come from and what their roles were."
Ms Nash said Anne's "quick sense of humour, utter dedication to duty and even the way she carried her handbag in a gloved hand reminded me enormously of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II." She also observed that Anne's "very down-to-earth, direct and unstuffy approach also echoed that of her father, Prince Philip."
Echoes of her parents
Ms Nash wrote that while Anne "has undoubtedly inherited many of her parents' qualities, she brought her own unique perspective to the proceedings." The way she carried her bag also echoed traits of her late mother, who died in 2022.
Anne is described as "very much herself," with former England rugby captain Lewis Moody calling her "an incredible spirit in her own right" in the article.
Dedication to duty
Ms Nash recalled being told that Anne's "only 'rider' on a royal engagement is 'a cup of coffee strong enough to stand a spoon in'." Princess Anne is currently 19th in line to the throne.
