Workaholic Princess Anne’s one private reprieve amid relentless schedule

Princess Anne, 76, takes her role within the royal family very seriously, racking up a whopping 478 engagements in 2025. Despite being a decade past retirement age, the Princess Royal spends her days travelling up and down the country to greet people and represent the monarchy. When she does get downtime, she retreats to Gatcombe Park, her beloved country home in Gloucestershire, away from the glare of the spotlight. Insiders tell HELLO! what life is really like at her private home.

“Gatcombe is her bolthole, where she is not the Princess Royal – she is Anne,” says Ailsa Anderson, a former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth II. “It’s a lot less formal; she has Zara and Mike still living on the estate, and Peter and Harriet nearby.” The Princess Royal’s daughter Zara lives at Aston Farm on the estate with her former rugby player husband Mike Tindall and their three children, Mia, Lena and Lucas. 

Royal author Robert Hardman agrees with Ailsa. “Gatcombe is her happy place; she’s fundamentally a country person,” he says. Her relationship with her children and grandchildren is “very no-nonsense”, he adds. “It’s very normal; there isn’t any standing on ceremony, and she’s the only one with a title. 

“She’s a very good grandmother. She’s hands-on, but like all grandchildren, I think they can get away with things. She dotes on them.”

The queen of normal

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During the coronavirus pandemic, Anne was pictured watching rugby with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, and the set-up was surprisingly relatable. Her coffee table could barely be seen beneath stacks of paperwork and books and there was a large pile of more books in front of a cabinet in the corner. Her display shelves were abundant, and she had even placed a doggie ornament right in front of the television. This lived-in space is worlds away from the highly polished, pristine rooms of some royal residences. 

Royal fans couldn’t believe their eyes, and they were quick to praise Anne’s very “normal” living room. “Love it, feels like home,” and, “I love that their house looks like anyone’s house,” were among the comments. A third added: “I love the lived-in cosy look.”

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Away from the sanctuary of Gatcombe, Anne’s low-maintenance ethos is clear in her fashion choices too. The King’s sister often recycles her fashion looks and has been spotted wearing outfits which date back more than 40 and 50 years. When the royal slipped into a dress she first wore in 1984, a social media user commented: “I love her even more for this. She looks terrific in her truly retro wardrobe.”

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