17 Mistakes Made by Princess Anne That She Probably Regrets

Princess Anne, the second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, is known for her straightforwardness and dedication to her royal duties. However, like everyone, she has faced moments of controversy and missteps throughout her life. Here are 17 mistakes that Princess Anne probably regrets:

1. The 1974 Kidnapping Attempt – While this wasn’t her fault, Anne’s handling of the kidnapping attempt outside Buckingham Palace was criticized. Her calm demeanor was admirable, but some believe that better security measures could have prevented the incident.
2. Public Divorce from Captain Mark Phillips – The breakdown of her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1992 was a public and painful affair, and many speculate that Anne might regret the way things unfolded, especially for the sake of their children.
3. Her Estranged Relationship with Sarah Ferguson – Anne and Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson have often been at odds, and despite both being members of the royal family, their complicated relationship has led to public tensions that may be regretted in hindsight.
4. Snubbing the Media – While Anne has always maintained a no-nonsense attitude towards the press, her sometimes cold and distant behavior may have contributed to a less favorable public image over the years.
5. Handling of Her Children’s Privacy – Anne has fiercely protected the privacy of her children, but some critics argue that her insistence on keeping them out of the royal spotlight may have inadvertently deprived them of royal duties or opportunities.
6. Riding Career Focus – Anne’s dedication to her equestrian career was admirable, but it’s possible she regrets not balancing it better with her royal obligations, as it sometimes led to criticism of her priorities.
7. Her Initial Reaction to Princess Diana’s Marriage – Anne’s relationship with Princess Diana was rocky at times, especially in the early years of Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles. Some feel that Anne’s initial coldness toward Diana may have been a mistake.
8. Her Relationship with the British Public – Known for her forthright nature, Anne’s sometimes abrasive attitude has caused her to be seen as distant or aloof, which may be something she regrets as she could have nurtured a more relatable public image.
9. Refusing to Visit Africa with the Royal Family – When the rest of the royal family visited Africa in the 1970s, Princess Anne stayed behind, citing her work commitments. Some believe this decision might have missed a valuable opportunity to bond with the public and show support for international causes.
10. Her Marriage to Timothy Laurence – While Anne and Timothy Laurence appear happy today, their secretive relationship, particularly their affair while Anne was still married to Mark Phillips, sparked scandal and may be a source of regret due to the negative press it attracted.
11. Her Disinterest in Modern Royal Trends – Anne’s reluctance to adapt to certain modern royal traditions, like the increased use of social media and celebrity culture, might be seen as a mistake in the context of maintaining the royal family’s relevance in today’s world.
12. Ignoring Media Advice on Her Image – Anne has often rejected advice on how to improve her public image, which may have led to misunderstandings or a lack of the more favorable public persona that other royals enjoy.
13. Her Handling of Royal Etiquette – While Anne’s refusal to adhere to some traditional royal etiquette has earned her respect for her independence, there have been instances where her disregard for these traditions might have caused unnecessary tensions within the family.
14. Her Role in the ‘War of the Wales’ – Anne’s outspoken support of her brother Charles during his tumultuous marriage to Diana may have caused her to be seen as unsympathetic to Diana’s struggles, which may have come with regret given Diana’s popularity.
15. Her Cold Relationship with Princess Margaret – While their relationship was not openly hostile, Princess Anne’s less-than-close connection with her aunt, Princess Margaret, has been a topic of royal gossip, and some believe Anne may regret not having a stronger familial bond.
16. The “Crown” Portrayal – Princess Anne has been portrayed as cold and difficult in various depictions, including The Crown. While these portrayals are fictionalized, some believe that Anne’s earlier public persona, which she later regretted, might have inspired these fictional portrayals.
17. Her Reluctance to Publicly Show Emotion – Anne is known for her pragmatic approach to life and rarely shows her emotions in public. While this has made her a respected and competent figure, it may have left some people perceiving her as distant or unemotional, which she might now wish to have softened a little.

While Princess Anne has navigated her royal life with resilience and grace, these moments demonstrate the challenges she faced as a public figure and family member. Despite her occasional missteps, her dedication to duty and her role in the royal family have remained unwavering.