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When Prince Harry began his relationship with American actress Meghan Markle in 2016, it was clear from the outset that her entry into the British Royal Family would be met with challenges. While Harry was smitten, sources have revealed that others within the family, including Diana's brother Earl Spencer, had their reservations about how easily Meghan would adjust to royal life. Even Princess Anne, known for her no-nonsense attitude and commitment to duty, reportedly had doubts about Meghan's suitability.
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As one of the hardest working members of the Royal Family with decades of experience, Princess Anne tried to offer Meghan important advice as she took on her new role. However, according to Royal commentator Neil Sha, Meghan struggled to connect with Anne from the beginning. Sha claims that an inside source said Anne always felt Meghan's time as a working royal would be short-lived.
Anne advised Meghan to see her royal duties as a serious job rather than an opportunity for fame and celebrity. As the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Anne was raised understanding the expectations and responsibilities that come with serving the British Monarchy. For Anne, whose approach was shaped by her upbringing and father's influence, being royal is all about focusing on one's duties, showing loyalty to Queen and country, and working diligently to support various charitable causes.
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Over the years, Anne has proven herself to be one of the hardest working and most committed Royals, often seen at the forefront of important family events. She takes on hundreds of duties each year and is patron to over 200 organizations. Even at the age of 73, Anne remains one of the busiest working royals, attending over 500 engagements annually. Her dedication to service reflects the teachings of her late father, Prince Philip, who believed strongly in giving your all to your roles and responsibilities.
In contrast, Meghan came from a very different world as a former actress and lifestyle influencer from Los Angeles. While full of potential, her Hollywood background meant she viewed fame and public image differently than the more duty-focused Royal Family. Meghan's transition into the staid British institution was always going to be challenging. Whereas Anne had been raised understanding expectations from a young age, Meghan had to learn the Royal ropes very quickly.
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Neil Sha suggests that despite Anne's well-meaning advice, Meghan may not have fully embraced seeing her position as a serious job rather than a starring celebrity role. Meghan seemed to prioritize elevating her public profile rather than focusing inward on her philanthropic responsibilities. This was evidenced by her taking on fewer patronages than other Royals and appearing less involved with organizations she supported like the National Theatre.
When Meghan and Harry made the seismic announcement in 2020 that they were stepping back from their positions as senior working Royals, it came as a shock to many. However, some like Princess Anne were perhaps less surprised, having sensed Meghan's difficulty fitting into the system from the beginning. Their subsequent moves to financially cut ties and speak openly about their grievances in the media only served to further damage relations with the Firm.
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Now living in California with their children Archie and Lilibet, Meghan and Harry have frequently highlighted their struggles dealing with intense public scrutiny and a lack of support from the Royal Family. Their decision to leave was largely motivated by a desire to protect their mental health and raise their children outside of the rigors of royal life.
During the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, Princess Anne stood out playing an important ceremonial role of The Queen's Bodyguard, underscoring the Royal Family's appreciation and trust in her after decades of exemplary service. Having spent her entire life dedicated to duty and loyalty to the Crown, Anne's focus on work over image remains the polar opposite of Meghan's more celebrity-driven approach.
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As the Windsors continue to change with the times, only the future will show how the differing perspectives of traditionalists like Princess Anne and more glamorous, modern Royals like Meghan Markle will impact and shape the monarchy going forward. But for Anne, who recently turned 73, her commitment to serving Her Majesty and supporting countless charitable causes ensures she will remain an important pillar of the Royal Family for years to come.
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