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Being nice, bright and cheerful is no easy task, but according to Princess Anne it is crucial for royals to follow a simple five-word rule of thumb when carrying out their busy schedules and engaging with the public. The Princess Royal, known for her strong work ethic, offered this key piece of advice in a 1981 documentary called “Princess Anne – Her Working Life.”
In the documentary, several excerpts were shown of Princess Anne discussing what it takes to fulfill her royal duties to the best of her abilities. When asked about etiquette for royal engagements, Anne stressed the importance of having companions that fit a certain profile. “What you need is a companion,” she said, “and it’s not good for me to have someone who shows up in the morning looking like death and angry.” Royal engagements require representing the crown with positivity and enthusiasm.
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Anne went on to explain that companions must be able to hold conversations with people in an interested, cheerful manner. “They seem to enjoy it,” she noted of her peers, though acknowledged it wasn’t always easy. Operating with a smile when one may not feel like it is part of upholding the dignity of the monarchy. According to Anne, the expectation is that royals will be “cute, bright and cheerful,” following this simple five-word mantra no matter their private emotions.
Living up to such standards requires immense discipline and stamina. As the documentary reveals, Anne’s typical days were packed wall-to-wall with visits, ceremonies, and meetings leaving little room for rest. Even at the age of 30 when it was filmed, her punishing schedule of “averaging 350 days of engagements a year” had earned her a reputation as the royal family’s hardest worker.
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More than 40 years later, Anne’s work ethic remains unmatched. Now in her seventies, she continues to amaze observers with her determination and resilient spirit. According to a report from May 2022, a journalist felt exhausted after just one week of shadowing royal family members despite being half Anne’s age. The Telegraph’s Royal Editor Hannah Furness stated that while Anne “barely seems to stop,” modern technology and difficulties with mobility have allowed other royals to scale back.
A veteran member of Anne’s team expressed that her years continue to be “full to bursting” as well. In 2023, the princess was formally recognized as the hardest working royal after completing 457 engagements over the year – over 30 more than the next busiest, Prince Charles. Even into her eighth decade, Anne refuses to slow her pace. Statistics so far in 2024 show she has taken on approximately one-third of all royal duties.
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Clearly, following her own longtime motto of being “nice, bright and cheerful” has sustained Princess Anne’s incredible dedication. Though the demands of the position are undoubtedly draining, her positive attitude and deep sense of duty continue motivating successful appearances. As more senior royals withdraw from frontline events, Anne’s steadfast example grows even more admirable. Nearly half a century since she first shared her guidance, the “Princess Royal’s” five-word rule rings as true as ever for anyone seeking to excel under demanding circumstances. Her lifetime of service shows the rewards of maintaining optimism, integrity and faith in the institution she has proudly represented.
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