Princess Anne, it seems, holds a mix of feelings for her nephew Prince Harry. Despite having a special affection for the 38-year-old prince, the 72-year-old Princess Royal is believed to be upset over his recent actions that have caused considerable upheaval within the royal clan.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond, in a recent interaction, described Princess Anne as a candid, straight-talking individual, reminiscent of her late mother Queen Elizabeth, who had an uncanny ability to compartmentalize situations. "Princess Anne is a very straight down the line and blunt sort of person. She says what she thinks, she doesn't pretend anything," remarked Bond.
Notwithstanding her dissatisfaction with the former Duke of Sussex's conduct, particularly the release of his revealing book, 'Spare', in January, Bond is of the view that the aunt-nephew relationship will endure.
The royal family's ability to separate personal feelings from duty is evident in Anne, Bond suggested, saying, "So when the family was imploding but she had a job to do, she could just put that on one side and get on with the job in hand. And I think Anne's probably a little bit like that."
OK! Magazine had previously reported that during his visit to the U.K. for King Charles' coronation in early May, Harry was positioned separately from his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.
However, the prince wasn't entirely alone, seated alongside Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, among others. A brief exchange between Anne and Harry at this event highlighted their cordial rapport.
Speaking of the interaction, Bond commented, "It was entirely natural to stop and chat with her nephew with whom, I think, she got on pretty well over the years rather than cause some kind of public scene."
Despite the seeming amiability, Bond contends that Princess Anne is inwardly frustrated with Harry for causing distress to her mother during her final years. Still, the royal milestone wasn't an apt moment for addressing those grievances.
Regarding their relationship, Bond opined, "I mean, they look very relaxed together. She would have just put things on one side a little bit, but I'm sure she is angry at the damage he's done to the royal reputation because she works so hard."
Underscoring Anne's dedication to the constitutional monarchy, Bond added, "I don't know how strong the relationship is but Anne works so damned hard, so hard for the constitutional monarchy and anything that damages it would make her very angry."
Bond's insights were shared with OK! U.K.
