RF. Princess Anne and Princess Catherine Lead Royal Duties Amid Public Mourning
In recent days, members of the British Royal Family have stepped forward for a series of solemn events, with Princess Anne and Catherine, Princess of Wales, taking prominent roles in ceremonial duties during an official royal memorial procession. The appearances were seen as a sign of senior royals’ ongoing dedication to national service — including what many are calling the first major symbolic act of public leadership under the reign of King Charles III (not “King William,” as there has been no abdication or change of monarch).
As Princess Anne, long respected for her decades of unrelenting royal service, carried out her responsibilities, royal watchers also noted rising public curiosity about the future of the Princess Royal title, which Anne currently holds.
Princess Anne: The Reigning Princess Royal
Born in 1950, Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1987, her mother formally granted her the title Princess Royal — an honor traditionally bestowed on the monarch’s eldest daughter. The title is held for life and is not automatically inherited by the next generation.
The title dates back to 1642, when it was first given to Princess Mary, daughter of King Charles I. Since then, only seven women in British history have held it.
Unlike hereditary peerages, the Princess Royal title is not passed down automatically. Instead, it is granted at the monarch’s discretion. This means Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and Princess Catherine, could one day receive it — but only under the right circumstances.
Princess Charlotte’s Potential Future Title
Princess Charlotte of Wales, born May 2, 2015, is the second child and only daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales. She stands fourth in line to the throne, after her grandfather King Charles III, her father Prince William, and her older brother Prince George.
There has been media chatter about Charlotte one day becoming Princess Royal, but Buckingham Palace has issued no statements on the matter. By tradition, the title can only belong to one person at a time — meaning Charlotte could not receive it unless Princess Anne either passes away or voluntarily relinquishes it, neither of which has happened as of July 2025.
The final decision would rest with the reigning monarch at that time — most likely King William V in the future, should that moment arise.
Royal Duties and Public Appearances
Coverage by outlets like BBC, The Guardian, and ITV showed Princess Anne and Princess Catherine leading a royal delegation during a recent state memorial procession for a notable national figure.
This event also marked one of Princess Catherine’s notable returns to public duty following her recovery from abdominal surgery earlier in the year. Kensington Palace has stated that her reintroduction to engagements would be gradual and guided by medical advice.
Royal Titles and Tradition
Titles such as “Princess Royal” are steeped in history and ceremony but carry no political authority. They represent honor, service, and connection to the monarch — not governance.
Importantly, there has been no coronation or abdication — Charles III remains the reigning monarch, despite a lighter workload due to cancer treatment, which Buckingham Palace confirmed in early 2024.
Prince William, as Prince of Wales, continues to take on more duties in support of his father, but there is no factual basis to claims of him being “King William.”
Public Support for Princess Anne and Catherine
Both women enjoy strong public admiration. YouGov polling consistently ranks Princess Catherine among the most beloved royals for her elegance, poise, and focus on family.
Princess Anne, frequently described as the “hardest-working royal,” often logs 400+ official appearances a year and is tied to numerous organizations, from Save the Children to St. John Ambulance.
Their shared appearances underline both the continuity and adaptability of the monarchy — tradition carried forward while meeting modern expectations.
Princess Charlotte’s Role in the Modern Monarchy
Looking ahead, Princess Charlotte is widely expected to play a meaningful role in the royal family’s next chapter. Alongside her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, she is being raised with a blend of royal tradition, service values, and guarded privacy.
Charlotte currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire and takes part in occasional, age-appropriate royal events — from Trooping the Colour to Easter services at Windsor.
While speculation about her eventual titles will continue, the fact remains: all future titles will be granted only at the monarch’s discretion when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
Despite sensational headlines and misleading posts on social media, there has been no change to Princess Anne’s status and no confirmation that Princess Charlotte will become Princess Royal anytime soon. Likewise, any references to “King William” are inaccurate; King Charles III remains monarch.
What is clear, however, is that Princess Anne and Princess Catherine remain central to the monarchy’s image and operations. Their recent leadership at national memorial events reflects stability, dedication, and grace.
As for Princess Charlotte, her path will be shaped by a mix of tradition and evolving expectations. For now, she remains a young royal growing into her role — supported by her family and admired by the public.