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Ex-Royal Butler Names Shockingly “Laid-Back” Royal
Princess Anne: The Hardworking Royal Who’s Secretly Super Chill
Who Is Princess Anne?
Princess Anne is King Charles’s younger sister. You might know her as The Princess Royal—that’s her official fancy title. She’s famous for being one of the busiest royals around. Seriously, she does hundreds of official events every year. Most people think she’s all business, all the time.
The Big Surprise: She’s Actually Really Laid Back
Important Point
Don’t let the "workaholic" label fool you. Former royal butler Grant Harrold says Princess Anne is actually one of the most relaxed members of the entire Royal Family.
Grant Harrold used to work as a butler at Highgrove House (that’s King Charles’s private home). He knows the royals really well. And he says when the cameras aren’t rolling and the crowns come off, Princess Anne is surprisingly chill.
What the Former Butler Saw at the Commonwealth Games
Harrold spotted Princess Anne at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Here’s what he noticed:
- Casual vibes only — She "stripped it back" with a relaxed outfit instead of her usual formal get-up
- Enjoying herself — She was laughing and chatting in the stands with her husband, Sir Tim Laurence
- Modern royal style — Harrold thinks she’s "leaning into the new era" of how the Royal Family does things
Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Credit: Getty Images
Hardworking And Relaxed? Yep, Both Are True
Here’s the thing — Princess Anne is a total workaholic. But that doesn’t mean she’s stiff or uptight.
| Her Work Side | Her Chill Side |
|---|---|
| Hundreds of royal engagements per year | Kicks back at sporting events |
| Consistently ranked hardest-working royal | Laughs and jokes in public |
| Detail-oriented like Queen Elizabeth | "Fuss-free" personality |
| Steps up for King Charles constantly | Doesn’t sweat the small stuff |
Harrold’s take: "She is very much like her father—she will catch you out." Translation: She’s relaxed, but she’s also sharp as a tack.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Princess Anne takes after her dad, Prince Philip, in the best ways:
- Super direct — She tells it like it is, no fluff
- Zero drama — Fuss-free and practical
- Crazy dedicated — Shows up for her charities rain or shine
- Lovely but firm — As Harrold puts it: "She is absolutely lovely, but you don’t want to get on the wrong side of her"
Princess Anne at King George Day, Ascot Racecourse. Credit: Getty Images
She’s Not Slowing Down Anytime Soon
Harrold says he sees zero signs of Princess Anne hitting the brakes. Here’s why:
- Detail-oriented — Like her mom, Queen Elizabeth, she sweats the details
- Built for the long haul — Harrold predicts: "I truly think she will continue working like her mother up until a very old age"
- Stepping up — With King Charles on the throne, she’s taking on even more
Quick Summary
- Princess Anne = King Charles’s sister, aka The Princess Royal
- Public rep = Serious, hardworking, all-business
- Real talk (from ex-butler Grant Harrold) = Actually one of the most laid-back royals
- Evidence = Casual, happy appearance at 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
- Personality = Direct like Prince Philip, detail-oriented like Queen Elizabeth, zero fuss
- Work ethic = Hundreds of events/year, no plans to slow down
- Verdict = She’s the rare combo: super dedicated AND genuinely chill
FAQ: Your Princess Anne Questions, Answered
Q: Why do people think Princess Anne is so serious?
A: Because she is incredibly hardworking — she does more public events than almost any other royal. When you see her on the job, she’s focused and professional. But that’s just her "work mode."
Q: Who is Grant Harrold and why should we believe him?
A: He was a butler at Highgrove House (King Charles’s home) for years. He worked inside the royal household, so he saw the family in private moments, not just public ones.
Q: Is Princess Anne really like Prince Philip?
A: Yep! Harrold says she’s got the same direct, no-nonsense energy. She tells it straight, doesn’t do drama, and is fiercely dedicated to her causes — just like her dad was.
Q: Will she ever retire?
A: Don’t count on it. Harrold says she takes after Queen Elizabeth (who worked into her 90s). Anne loves what she does and shows zero signs of stopping.
Q: What does "The Princess Royal" mean?
A: It’s a special title given to the monarch’s eldest daughter. It’s for life, and there’s only one at a time. Anne has held it since 1987.
Want more royal insights? Check out Grant Harrold’s other behind-the-scenes stories about life inside the palace!
