Members of the British royal family are traditionally expected to attend major events, and the Queen herself has only missed a handful of occasions during her long reign, usually due to unavoidable engagements.
These events, particularly the Royal Ascot, offer a rare opportunity for the public to see the Royals in a more relaxed setting. They are often dressed in glamorous attire, mingling with guests within the prestigious Royal Enclosure. However, this year’s Royal Ascot was marked by unexpected drama, sparked by a powerful and candid speech delivered by Princess Anne. As the patron of Royal Ascot, Princess Anne was invited to give welcoming remarks on the opening day, but she used the platform to address some pressing family issues that have been a source of recent tension.
Princess Anne began her speech with the customary pleasantries, expressing her gratitude to the attendees and her excitement for the week of racing ahead. However, the tone of her address quickly shifted. "While we gather here to celebrate one of our finest British institutions, I must address some troubling issues within my own family," she stated, causing a ripple of surprise among the audience. Her speech took on a serious tone as she alluded to recent events, particularly the decisions made by certain family members to step back from their royal duties. "Over the past few years, some members of the family have chosen to step back from their royal duties and responsibilities. While everyone is entitled to live their lives as they wish, there are consequences to those actions, whether realized or not. The monarchy is an institution larger than any one person and must always come first."
It was clear to those present that Princess Anne was referring to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step down as working royals and move to America. She did not mince her words, offering a stern critique of their actions. "Commitments made on behalf of this family seem to have been quickly cast aside. One cannot simply disregard centuries of tradition, duty, and service to suit oneself," she continued. "There are expectations that come with being part of the royal family, yet some individuals only wish to take what benefits they can without consideration for others or the institution we all serve."
The audience was taken aback by her forthrightness, as Princess Anne did not shy away from addressing the controversial behavior of Harry and Meghan. Her tone remained firm and unyielding as she added, "Family differences come and go, but once trust and respect are lost, they are not easily regained. Make no mistake, the damage done will not be forgotten or easily forgiven. Going forward, one's welcome and role within this family will be evaluated on actions, not just words. Lip service will not suffice, and half-measures will not be accepted."
Although Princess Anne refrained from naming anyone directly, her message was unmistakable. She concluded her speech by shifting back to a more positive note, "With that said, let us focus on the joyous week ahead, celebrating all things equestrian. Please enjoy Royal Ascot and all it has to offer. Thank you." The audience responded with polite applause, though it was evident that the mood had shifted from the usual lightheartedness of the event. Princess Anne had made her point clear—family issues would no longer be swept under the rug.
Sources later revealed that as the patron of Royal Ascot, Princess Anne felt it was necessary to be upfront about the current state of affairs, particularly concerning Harry and Meghan. Their repeated media appearances and accusations against the monarchy had significantly eroded trust and cooperation within the family. Some royal observers speculated that this speech was a way for Queen Elizabeth to indirectly express her feelings through her daughter, as the Queen is known for her aversion to direct confrontation. By using Princess Anne's address, the Queen made it clear that actions have consequences, and respect must be earned.
Unsurprisingly, Princess Anne's speech sent shockwaves through the royal family and beyond. While Harry and Meghan have not publicly responded to the apparent criticism, it is clear that they were made aware of the speech and its implications for their standing within the royal family. If there was any lingering uncertainty about their place within the monarchy after their departure, this speech decisively crushed those possibilities, underscoring that betrayal of the Queen and the institution will not be tolerated.
