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Princess Anne has carved out a reputation as one of the hardest working yet most unconventional members of the British Royal Family. From her bold fashion choices to her surprisingly down-to-earth career aspirations, Anne has never been one to follow tradition rigidly or concern herself with others' expectations of how a royal should behave.
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Anne's daring style sensibility was evident from a young age. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when trouser suits and short skirts were still considered daring for women, Anne was frequently seen sporting these ensemble choices and discarding societal norms of the time. She tossed aside the typical royal dress code in favor of an adventurous array of tailored suits, equestrian wear, glamorous evening gowns, and casual looks featuring items like bucket hats and Adidas sunglasses.
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This reluctance to conform to conventional royal style guidelines was particularly audacious given Queen Elizabeth's preferences. The Queen was famously opposed to women wearing trousers or short skirts and also disliked bare knees, nail polish and wedged shoes. Yet Anne showed she was not afraid to break from her mother's tastes and establish her own fashion identity. Personal stylist Melissa Lond said of Anne, "she clearly doesn't care what others think about her lifestyle or fashion choices."
Anne's willingness to disregard expectations also extended beyond her wardrobe. In a rare candid interview from 1983, she revealed that if not born into royalty, she dreamed of becoming a lorry driver. Anne stated matter-of-factly that she aimed "to earn my living" and even obtained an HGV license. For many, this glimpse into Anne's career aspirations was unexpected but it showed her pragmatic nature and desire for independence and control over her own schedule.
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While such unexpected revelations paint Anne as a royal rebel of sorts, within her role she remains deeply committed with an unwavering work ethic. In 2023 alone, Anne undertook an impressive 457 official public duties, far surpassing many of her counterparts. Throughout her decades of service, she has consistently ranked amongst the hardest working royals. During one interview, she described the challenges of constantly appearing happy in public despite personal feelings, emphasizing the need to "put on a cheerful face."
This ability to compartmentalize personal and professional life has served Anne well. It speaks to her dedication to carrying out duties with focus, energy and commitment—expectations she also sets for her companions. As Anne once remarked, it is "no good" if companions show up "looking like death and furious." She understands the importance of enthusiasm when representing the crown.
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While Anne may have daydreamed about life outside the royal fold, the 73-year-old proves her steadfast dedication through an enduring workload. In addition to hundreds of ceremonial events annually, she supports over 300 charities. Whether attending celebrations or meeting the public, Anne's presence reflects discipline and responsibility to those she serves. Her candor about considering alternative careers, contrasted with sixty years of exemplary royal service, renders Anne one of the most complex and relatable women within the British Monarchy.
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In a world where royals risk seeming detached, Anne's honesty about her human sides—from rule-breaking fashion to practical career aspirations—offers refreshing insight. It reminds us that even a Princess is allowed to dream. Ultimately though, Anne's commitment to duty consistently wins out as she remains amongst the reigning family's most industrious working members. Her unique blend of convention-defying spirit and strength of character has undoubtedly contributed to Princess Anne earning her reputation as a true royal rebel.
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