Princess Anne has long been known as the most no-nonsense and practical member of the royal family, earning respect for her efficient, down-to-earth approach to both public life and personal milestones.
With a straightforward attitude and consistent work ethic, she has carved out a reputation as the “most industrious royal,” according to the Daily Mail.
As she nears another major birthday, Anne’s approach to the occasion reflects the same simplicity she’s embraced throughout her life — a stark contrast to the grandeur often associated with royal celebrations.
Keeping It Simple at 75
The Princess Royal will celebrate her 75th birthday on August 15, but in classic Anne fashion, there are no grand parties or public fanfare in the works.
Roya Nikkhah, royal correspondent and host of the Royals with Roya and Kate podcast, shared that Anne intends to keep her birthday “low-key” and has even gone so far as to cancel meetings to avoid discussing plans.
The Times reported that Anne lives by a personal rule when it comes to birthdays:
“Anne’s policy is: ‘I will do things for my birthdays that have a zero, but I won’t do things for my birthdays that have a five.’”
Despite being one of the most active royals, Princess Anne has hinted that she may start to ease back in the coming years. According to insiders, she’s told her close aides,
“I’m going to start winding down a little bit at 80 in five years’ time… and then I want to step back completely at 90.”
This phased plan mirrors that of her father, the late Prince Philip, who retired at 96.
Her Birthday ‘Happy Place’ — No Staff, Just the Sea
To mark her 75th, Anne will be heading off on a private sailing trip around western Scotland with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. The couple makes this journey twice a year — every May and August — and will be sailing without royal staff, enjoying a rare break from official duties.
A friend of the Princess shared with The Times:
“It speaks to their relationship. They go every May and August and have done it for years. How many couples could go out to sea that often, just the two of them, and still be speaking to each other? She loves it.”
After the trip, Anne is expected to join King Charles and other family members at Balmoral, continuing her tradition of balancing royal obligations with personal moments that matter most to her.
The Royal Family’s Relentless Worker
Anne’s work ethic continues to stand out. In 2024, she completed 217 official engagements — the highest number among the royals. Her brother, King Charles, came in second with 186 engagements. This is especially notable considering both had health challenges: Anne suffered a serious concussion in June after being kicked by a horse, while Charles has been undergoing cancer treatment.
Despite these setbacks, Anne remained dedicated to her duties — just as she has been for decades. As she quietly turns 75, her commitment, resilience, and down-to-earth nature remain defining traits that endear her to many and set her apart within the royal family.