Princess Anne goes off script to praise families of those who serve

Princess Anne has addressed the “challenge” of managing “scattered families” during an unplanned speech at the Naval Children’s Charity in Portsmouth.

On her first visit to the charity, a role she inherited from her late mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Princess Royal toured the facilities that support young people from Naval families, focusing on their wellbeing and development.

During her visit, she acknowledged the unique difficulties faced by families of those who serve in the Royal Navy. 

“This is about families of people who serve, and that is a difficult relationship sometimes, but it needs to be remembered and is at the forefront of what you do,” she said.

She went on to highlight the extra strain these families face, “When you're as scattered as the Naval families are, that can be a real challenge in a way that nobody else quite has… thank you for maintaining that link,” Princess Anne added, offering heartfelt recognition of the charity’s work.

The Princess Royal took on the role of patron in March, succeeding her late mother who supported the charity for an impressive seventy years.

The charity provides crucial aid to thousands of young people each year, offering crisis grants to families facing illness, disability, or mental health challenges, as well as wellbeing resources and educational opportunities through its Life Chances Programme.

Anne’s Portsmouth engagement was just one part of an exceptionally busy Wednesday, which also included the opening of an education centre at Victoria Barracks on the Isle of Wight and an appearance at the Southampton International Boat Show.