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Princess Anne's Frosty US Debut: From Harsh Criticism to Hardest Working Royal
23 Jul
Summary
- Princess Anne received negative press during her 1970 US visit
- She was criticized for not smiling enough and not appearing to enjoy herself
- In 2024, she completed a staggering 457 engagements, far more than other senior royals

In 1970, Princess Anne's first visit to the United States alongside her brother, Prince Charles, was met with harsh criticism from the American media. The 74-year-old royal, who is now considered one of the most popular members of the Royal Family, was subject to unflattering coverage at the time, with news outlets quick to point out that she was not smiling often and did not appear to be enjoying herself.
However, Princess Anne's reputation has undergone a remarkable transformation in the years since. In 2024, she completed a staggering 457 engagements, significantly more than other senior royals like King Charles and Prince William. This has earned her the title of the "hardest working royal," and she has become a key member of King Charles' slimmed-down monarchy.
The article also notes that Anne has stepped up her public presence in the wake of King Charles' cancer diagnosis, being visibly present at more events. This demonstrates her dedication and commitment to her royal duties, despite the initial negative reception she faced during her first visit to the United States over 50 years ago.