Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles III, is set to arrive in Australia this week. She’s in for a busy, fun, four-day visit full of activities. This trip is an unprecedented moment for the royal family. It’s one of their first international public outings since King Charles III stripped his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his princely duke title over his associations with high-profile sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The visit comes at a particularly tumultuous time for the tory royal family. Public sentiment has changed remarkably in light of the full scandal surrounding Prince Andrew. Those who study royal engagements think Princess Anne’s involvement will draw less publicity. They point to the much-ballyhooed visit of King Charles III and the Queen in 2024.
Princess Anne’s visit marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. This visit is a testament to her deep dedication to military partnerships. Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne will participate in various events across Sydney and Brisbane, including Remembrance Day services and centenary celebrations, with audiences such as veterans and their families in whose eyes her presence is likely to shine with her own goodness.
Despite the underlying controversy surrounding her brother, Princess Anne maintains a reputation as one of the hardest-working members of the British royal family. She’s passionate about working with communities. It is this commitment that has garnered her a great deal of respect in Australia.
“The best-case scenario for the monarchy is to have an example of what the public want to see — which is a hardworking royal being met by people who are glad to see her,” stated Associate Professor Cindy McCreery, reflecting on the significance of Princess Anne’s visit.
After all, this trip was probably scheduled months in advance. At that time, none could have known the positive turn of events that would lead to Prince Andrew’s title removal order. In late October, newly-crowned King Charles III proclaimed that he was removing his younger brother from the title. He even moved to evict him from his home after unsavory details of his history bubbled up to the surface.
As Princess Anne prepares to embark on her trip, anticipation is palpable among the public. They rabidly await the ways in which she will approach questions about her brother’s toxic legacy. “People will try and ask her questions, but I suspect she will say very little, if anything,” remarked Associate Professor McCreery.
“It’s tremendous that Princess Anne is visiting Australia,” said Philip Benwell, emphasizing her respected status in the country.
