Princess Anne Has Taken On a New Role Since Her Son’s Wedding — And She’s Loving It, Says Expert
The Princess Royal is often described as a hands-on grandmother, much like her late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Princess Anne is described as the 'glue' in family dynamics, recognized for her hard work and ability to manage family responsibilities with grace. Following the second wedding of her son Peter Philips to Harriet Sperling, Anne has taken over the role of being a supportive mother-in-law with ease. During Royal Ascot, they were seen enjoying the traditional carriage ride at the event. Now, a royal expert has revealed that Princess Royal has embraced a new role, delightedly welcoming a new member into the royal fold.
The Princess Royal has adopted her new stepgranddaughter, Georgina Sperling, into her guidance like any other doting grandmother. On June 6, Phillips married Sperling, an NHS nurse, in an intimate setting attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.13-year-old Georgina, Sperling's daughter from her previous marriage to fitness instructor Antonio St. John Sperling, also joined Phillips’s daughters, Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, for the celebration.
The Princess Royal is also a grandmother to Zara Tindall’s three children: Mia, Lena, and Lucas. It was evident that Georgina had integrated well into the royal family, making her first official appearance at St. George’s Chapel on Easter Sunday, two months before the wedding. "Like all grandchildren, I think they can get away with things," royal biographer Robert Hardman highlighted, adding, "She dotes on them."
The Princess Royal is often described as a hands-on grandmother, much like her late mother, Queen Elizabeth. Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, noted Anne's pragmatism and the joy she finds in her family's happiness, highlighting her affection for her grandchildren, particularly during horse trials where she appears relaxed and engaged, InStyle reported.
Hardman further described Anne as a "very no-nonsense" personality, adding, "It’s very normal. There isn’t any standing on ceremony, and she’s the only one with a title." Meanwhile, royal biographer Ingrid Seward noted that the Princess Royal exhibits a blend of masculine energy and softness, reminiscent of Prince Philip. Although she avoids public displays of affection, such as kissing, she shows affection toward her own grandchildren, whom she adores.
In the 2020 documentary Anne: The Princess Royal at 70, Peter shared insights on his mother's role as a grandmother, noting her enjoyment of activities like riding, Sunday lunches, and walks with the grandchildren, which resembled his childhood experiences. He humorously added that they prefer to leave the kids with her on Sundays, saying, "We’ll pick them up later—bye!" Meanwhile, Harriette and her daughter will be spending their first summer vacation at Balmoral this year as members of the royal family.
