Why Anne’s fuss-free NYC trip is a masterclass in modern royalty, according to royal expert

Why Anne’s fuss-free NYC trip is a masterclass in modern royalty: ‘Low-key’ Princess ‘got on with the job’ and put ‘hard work above public image’ by flying commercial and doing engagements without any press, royal expert says

  • Anne’s ‘low-key’ NYC trip shows why she’s a favourite royal, commentator says
  • Princess Royal’s day of royal engagements was barely photographed 
  • Richard Fitzwilliam said Anne ‘gets on with the job’ in her understated style

Princess Anne’s no-frills trip to New York City, for which she flew on a commercial flight and carried her own bags, is a classic example of how her hard work comes above her public image, a royal expert has claimed.

After the Princess Royal, 72, was pictured carrying her own bags on arrival at John F Kennedy airport on Tuesday, commentator Richard Fitzwilliam has said her ‘low-key’ approach to carrying out her duties was typical of her hard-working style.

During her whirlwind tour of the city, Anne carried out four royal engagements in one day – even managing to take the ferry out to Staten Island. According to Mr Fitzwilliam, her commitment to hard work is one of the reasons she is such a popular member of the Royal Family.

Princess Anne, 72 (pictured on the Staten Island Ferry on Tuesday) made a low-key visit to New York City earlier this week, during which she carried out four royal engagements in one day. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam said this example of understated hard work is one of the reasons Anne is a favourite member of the Royal Family

The Princess Royal, often dubbed the 'hardest working royal' was pictured carrying her own bags as she strolled through John F Kennedy airport ahead of a busy day

The Princess Royal, often dubbed the ‘hardest working royal’ was pictured carrying her own bags as she strolled through John F Kennedy airport ahead of a busy day

He told FEMAIL: ‘When royalty is considered just another branch of celebrity the institution is in trouble. 

‘However, it remains true that there is a symbiotic relationship between the royals and the press, as the charitable causes they are linked to often need publicity and the cachet that comes with royal patronage.  

‘The exception to this is Princess Anne whose low key approach whilst working extremely hard has made her among the most popular royals for many years.

‘An example was her trip to New York this week where, when returning after carrying out several engagements, she was seen carrying two of her own bags and catching a commercial flight.’

As Anne arrived at the airport, she was dressed in a smart black outfit, with black tailored trousers and a dark blazer.

Meanwhile she wrapped up against the cool New York weather with a thick polo neck jumper.

The mother-of-two added a pop of colour to her outfit with a white and black neck scarf, which she wore around her neck. 

The understated royal could be seen carrying a number of her own bags for the outing, including a handbag and a large green backpack style bag.

After arriving at John F Kennedy Airport on Tuesday, the Princess Royal was greeted by His Majesty’s Consul-General for New York, Mrs Emma Wade-Smith, and was later the guest of honour at a gala dinner for the English Speaking Union at the Cosmopolitan Club. 

Arriving at the airport, the Princess Royal was dressed in a smart black outfit, with black tailored trousers and a dark blazer

Arriving at the airport, the Princess Royal was dressed in a smart black outfit, with black tailored trousers and a dark blazer

Before attending the dinner, Anne, who is the honorary chair of the Campaign for Illuminating Future Generations, also took a trip on the Staten Island ferry to attend the National Lighthouse Museum, and then attended a Reception at the View at the Battery.

The Princess Royal then attended the Residence of His Majesty’s Consul-General for New York to present honours, before whizzing off to the gala dinner held by the Gordonstoun American Foundation at the Racquet and Tennis Club on Park Avenue, which she attended in her role as patron of the Campaign for Gordonstoun. 

Mr Fitzwilliam said: ‘[The Princess Royal’s] devotion to her job is illustrated by the number of engagements she carries out annually. 

‘In 2021 she carried out 387, two more than Charles and more than any other royal. Her style is down to earth and she began her work for Save the Children in 1970, the same year as Charles’s first speech on the environment, his campaign is far better known and more widely discussed. 

‘She isn’t fussy and just gets on with the job with the minimum of publicity, but the maximum of commitment. Her decision not to give royal titles to her children was undoubtedly correct too. It’s her way and she has earned universal respect for it.’

Anne’s trip to New York made her the first senior royal to visit the USA since Harry and Meghan moved to California in 2020.

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk