Windsor Castle, standing tall in Berkshire, has long been a powerful symbol of the British Crown. It functions as a residence, a ceremonial venue, and a workplace steeped in hundreds of years of tradition. In 2022, a notable change occurred when Prince William and Princess Catherine moved to Adelaide Cottage, a charming four-bedroom home nestled in Windsor Great Park. With their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—they’ve chosen a life a little removed from the bustle of London, yet right next to the heart of royal activity.
Given this move, many assumed the Wales family would naturally become more active in royal ceremonies held at Windsor. However, according to recent reports, that assumption may not reflect reality. Despite living just steps from Windsor Castle, it’s Princess Anne who continues to carry the heavy load when it comes to formal royal ceremonies—particularly the prestigious investitures.
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For context, investiture ceremonies are when individuals are formally honored with awards such as knighthoods or damehoods. They are highly respected events, typically presided over by the monarch or a senior royal, recognizing remarkable public or military service. The ceremonies demand deep knowledge of tradition, warmth, and an ability to connect sincerely with each recipient.
A revealing article in The Times noted that Princess Anne is still conducting the majority of these ceremonies, despite William’s proximity. An insider close to the Princess shared, “She’s still doing most of the investitures at Windsor, even though William lives there. It annoys her.” That simple remark sheds light on a deeper frustration—Anne, often the embodiment of quiet resilience and hard work, seems to feel the weight of duties that could be shared more evenly.
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Royal insiders echo this sentiment, suggesting that Anne would welcome more support from her nephew. While she remains the monarchy’s most consistent figure in terms of public service, the hope is that Prince William—second in line to the throne—would begin embracing more of these foundational responsibilities. These aren’t glamorous engagements, but they are essential. Visiting charities, attending events, hosting ceremonies—this is the lifeblood of the monarchy’s connection with its people.
Princess Anne isn’t merely looking to ease her own burden. Her desire for William to assume more duties speaks to a broader concern for the future of the Crown. With Windsor Castle only a short walk from his home, William’s increased presence at these events would signal readiness, responsibility, and a commitment to public service—qualities vital for a future king.
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This also ties into King Charles III’s vision of a slimmed-down monarchy. The goal is to present a more modern, cost-effective royal family with fewer working members, focusing on efficiency and transparency. But with fewer hands on deck, the workload naturally becomes heavier for those still serving, such as Princess Anne. It’s a system that demands the younger generation step up.
William taking on more engagements would not only help balance the demands on senior royals but also allow him to forge stronger ties with the public and gain crucial experience. These events help build trust, visibility, and credibility—key elements for a monarch-in-waiting.
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Princess Anne’s work ethic is legendary. Year after year, she tops the list of most royal engagements completed—last year alone, she attended an astounding 474 events. Even after a concussion in June that briefly landed her in the hospital, she was back on duty within weeks. Her resilience was publicly acknowledged by William and Catherine, who affectionately referred to her as a "super trooper" in a heartfelt message.
Anne’s no-nonsense attitude, focus on duty over glamour, and relentless schedule have earned her deep respect, not only from the public but within royal circles as well. She is considered the monarchy’s benchmark for commitment and service.
But as time moves on, the balance between honoring senior royals like Anne and preparing the next generation becomes more urgent. There’s a need to ensure the monarchy remains relevant, accessible, and connected to the people it represents. Prince William’s increasing involvement in these day-to-day responsibilities would serve both the present and the future of the institution.
This subtle situation at Windsor Castle is emblematic of broader challenges within the royal family. How will duties be distributed fairly? Can the current generation step up to match the legacy of those before them? And will Prince William embrace the day-to-day grind of monarchy life with the same tireless energy as his aunt?
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