Carers Trust has published a message from its president, Princess Anne, warning that the past year has “once again, been challenging for carers” and highlighting the growing pressures faced by unpaid carers across the UK.
In the statement, issued under the Buckingham Palace letterhead, the Princess Royal asserted that “many people around the country are struggling with the demands of their caring role.”
She added that many are “unable to access respite and feeling isolated and exhausted.”
The King's sister described carers as “the backbone of our society”, adding that they provide “service to friends and family; a service given out of love despite the high price in terms of their own financial and emotional wellbeing”.
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Princess Anne noted that she has “witnessed life-changing support provided to carers of all ages” through the charity’s network of local services across the country.
The mother of two stated the support delivered by Carers Trust is often “life-changing” and is tailored to individual needs.
She continued: “It could be a grant to help with household expenses, a short break either with or away for the person for whom they care, advice on energy bills or increased support in school.”
More than 1.1 million carers were reached by Carers Trust over the past year through its nationwide network of services.
Princess Anne urges support in new Buckingham Palace message as carers feel 'isolated and exhausted'
|GETTY
The charity now covers around 85 per cent of the UK, delivering what Princess Anne described as “a range of powerful programmes” while also “renewing efforts to build the sustainability of services at local level”.
She said: “It has been an eventful and important year for Carers Trust. Collectively, as a network, over 1.1 million carers were reached.”
The Princess Royal also highlighted progress made for young carers during 2025, describing developments in that area as particularly encouraging.
“I am pleased to see the progress that has been made for young carers in 2025,” she said, noting that more than 250 organisations have now signed up to the Young Carers Covenant.
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Those organisations include the Welsh and Scottish Governments, as well as UK Government departments.
The covenant commits signatories to “take action, where they can, to create better and fairer futures for young carers”.
Princess Anne acknowledged that despite the progress made, significant challenges remain.
She said: “Carers Trust has achieved a great deal in 2025, but, as ever, there is much to do.”
Princess Anne is one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family
| REUTERSThe King's sister urged continued backing for the charity’s work, adding: “Over the coming year, I encourage you to continue your invaluable support. It is only by pulling together that we can make a difference for carers.”
The message comes amid continued concern over the pressures facing unpaid carers, particularly against the backdrop of rising living costs and pressure on public services.
Carers Trust has repeatedly warned that without sustained support, carers risk financial hardship, burnout and declining mental health.
Princess Anne has served as president of Carers Trust for more than a decade and is known for her long-standing involvement in charities linked to health, social care and community support.