Princess Anne has spoken about the "challenge" of dealing with "scattered families" during an unplanned address.
The Princess Royal made her first trip to the Naval Children’s Charity in Portsmouth, a duty she had inherited from her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.
Anne toured the facilities of the organisation which supports young people from Naval families in their wellbeing and development.
While meeting with staff, the princess chose to make an impromptu speech where she acknowledged the unique difficulties faced by those connected to the Royal Navy.
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Princess Anne has spoken out about the ‘challenge’ of ‘scattered families’ in an unplanned address
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“This is about families of people who serve and that is a difficult relationship sometimes, but it needs to be remembered and is at the forefront of what you do,” she said.
“When you're as scattered as the Naval families are, that can be a real challenge in a way that nobody else quite has...thank you for maintaining that link," the Princess Royal empathised.
Anne’s visit marked the 200th anniversary of organisation, which was founded in 1825 from their main office in Portsmouth.
She assumed the role of patron in March, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II who supported the charity for seventy years.
The Princess Royal made her comments while speaking with staff at the Naval Children’s Charity in Portsmouth
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The Naval Children’s Charity organisation aids thousands annually through crisis grants.
These support young people through circumstances like illness or disability, mental health challenges and wellbeing resources.
It also provides educational opportunities via their Life Chances Programme.
Her Portsmouth engagement formed part of an exceptionally busy Wednesday schedule that saw the Princess Royal complete four separate appearances throughout southern England.
Anne assumed the role as patron of the charity from the late Queen Elizabeth
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Anne attended the opening of an education centre at Victoria Barracks on the Isle of Wight and attending Southampton International Boat Show.
The princess’s support for the Naval Children’s Charity is the latest in her maritime-related patronages she maintains alongside her 33-year marriage to former naval officer Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
King’s Charles’s younger sister has maintained her title as the hardest working member of the Royal Family.
Court Circular data reveals the Princess Royal undertook engagements on 189 days throughout the last year.
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Anne has defended her title as the hardest working royal over the past 12 months
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King Charles finished a close second, being active on 175 despite his ongoing cancer treatment – the busiest so far of his reign.
The Duke of Edinburgh fulfilled duties on 129 days, while the Duchess of Edinburgh recorded 117 days of official activities.
Prince William was busy on 107 days during over the past year while Princess Kate, who received her own cancer diagnosis in 2024, managed official duties on 37 days.