'Hardest working royal' Princess Anne lands new role after insisting 'retirement isn't an option'
Anne recently shot down any rumours of retirement
Princess Anne, long referred to the ‘hardest-working member’ of the royal family, has taken on yet another role – proving once more that retirement is simply not on her agenda.
The 74-year-old Princess Royal has been appointed as the new patron of The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (MIPF).
This charity is dedicated to supporting grassroots Scottish rugby players who suffer life-changing injuries.
Anne, Princess Royal takes on new role
The foundation was established in 1973, and offers crucial assistance to amateur players facing hardships due to injuries sustained on the field.
In the last financial year alone, MIPF supported 18 male and eight female players. They provided financial aid, rehabilitation support, and guidance during recovery.
Princess Anne’s association with Scottish Rugby is not new.
Her passion for sport, her commitment to the game at all levels, is well documented.
Her involvement stretches back to the 1980s, when she became a supporter of the national team and took on the role of Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in 1986.
Ian Rankin, Chair of the MIPF, expressed his gratitude for the princess’s continued support.
“The Princess Royal has been a dedicated supporter of the Scotland rugby team through umpteen swings of fortune since the 1980s, performing the official opening of Murrayfield’s East Stand in 1983 and becoming the SRU’s Patron in 1986.” he gushed.
“Her passion for sport, her commitment to the game at all levels, is well documented and we are honoured to have her join us as our Patron.”
Princess Anne’s new position comes just weeks after she firmly dismissed the idea of stepping back from royal duties.
In an interview following her recent royal tour of South Africa, she was asked directly whether retirement was on the horizon.
Her response was characteristically blunt.
“It really isn’t written in, no,” she said, as reported by the BBC. “It isn’t really an option, no, I don’t think so.”
Anne added: “You’re jolly lucky if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis [of sound mind] And last summer, I was very close to not being. Take each day as it comes, they say.”
This comment referenced an accident she experienced last year.
Anne admits she has ‘no memory’ of accident
Princess Anne has consistently topped the list of royals with the most public engagements each year.
In 2023, she carried out over 450 official duties – outpacing many younger royals and earning her the unofficial title of the “hardest-working royal”.
Meanwhile, Anne visited Southmead Hospital in Bristol earlier this month to thank the medical staff who treated her after her June 2024 accident at Gatcombe Park.
The Princess Royal sustained a concussion and minor injuries. She spent five days in the hospital.
During her visit, Anne expressed gratitude for the healthcare workers that took care of her. “I don’t have huge memories of being here,” she admitted. “But I know I was really well looked after. Whatever you did, it worked.”
She also toured the ICU, the Air Ambulance helipad and watched a performance by the staff choir.
Reflecting on her recovery, she said: “You’re reminded that every day is a bonus.”
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