Unlikely Royal Beats Kate Middleton in Bombshell Poll as 17th in Line Takes the Top Spot
In a surprising turn of events, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and 17th in line to the British throne, has claimed the title of the hardest-working royal in a new poll conducted by the Daily Express.
The poll, which surveyed royal fans from November 20 to 21, crowned Princess Anne as the most dedicated member of the Royal Family, overshadowing even the popular Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
The poll results come at the end of a tumultuous year for the monarchy, with numerous health challenges and a spotlight on the Firm’s adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
Princess Anne’s tireless dedication to her royal duties won her a landslide victory, while King Charles, Prince William, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, followed behind.
The poll asked readers to vote for the hardest-working member of the Royal Family, and the results left no room for doubt.
Out of 352 respondents, a staggering 73% (approximately 257 votes) chose Princess Anne as the royal who embodies diligence and commitment.
King Charles III came in second place, receiving 23 votes, while his eldest son and heir, Prince William, followed in third with 20 votes.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, surprised many by securing fourth place with 17 votes (5%), surpassing Kate, the Princess of Wales, who received just eight votes (2%).
Queen Camilla, despite her central role as consort to King Charles, was ranked sixth, receiving only five votes (1%).
Princess Anne’s dominance in the poll is hardly surprising given her track record. Known for her no-nonsense approach to public service, Anne has consistently been recognized as the hardest-working royal.
A recent study highlighted that she has attended an impressive 217 engagements in 2024 alone, earning her the title for the fourth consecutive year.
Her unwavering dedication to duty has made her a beloved figure among royal fans, even if she does not command the same media attention as her younger counterparts.
As one of the most senior working royals, Anne’s engagements range from supporting charities to attending military events and representing the Crown at international functions.
Despite being far down the line of succession, Anne’s commitment underscores her belief in the value of service.
Her work ethic is often compared to that of her late father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was similarly admired for his tireless dedication.
The Royal Family has faced a challenging year, marked by health concerns that have tested their resilience. Both King Charles III and Princess Kate have publicly revealed their battles with cancer.
Charles, who has been undergoing treatment, continues to fulfill his duties as head of state, albeit with a lighter schedule.
Similarly, Princess Kate has balanced her royal engagements with her own health journey, attending high-profile events such as Wimbledon and maintaining her public presence despite her diagnosis.
Other royals have also faced health issues. Princess Anne suffered a head injury earlier in the year, and Queen Camilla battled a chest infection that temporarily sidelined her from public appearances.
In this context, the poll serves as a reminder of the immense pressure placed on the royals to maintain their workload despite personal challenges.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s fourth-place finish is notable, as it reflects growing recognition of her contributions to the monarchy.
Sophie, who married Prince Edward, has increasingly stepped into the spotlight following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
As a senior working royal, Sophie has taken on an expanding portfolio of engagements, supporting causes such as women’s empowerment, education, and the eradication of avoidable blindness.
Her approachable demeanor and steady work ethic have earned her respect among royal watchers, even as she operates largely outside the media glare focused on Charles, William, and Kate.
Beating Kate by a narrow margin in the poll highlights Sophie’s quiet but impactful role within the Firm.
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Despite her immense popularity as the Princess of Wales, Kate’s fifth-place ranking may come as a surprise to some.
As one of the most recognizable faces of the Royal Family, Kate is often seen as a unifying figure and a role model for modern royalty.
However, her lower ranking in this particular poll could reflect the fact that her public engagements have been fewer this year due to her cancer diagnosis.
Still, Kate remains a key player in the monarchy, focusing on her core initiatives, including early childhood development and mental health advocacy.
The poll results illustrate the diverse contributions of the Royal Family’s members, each playing a unique role in maintaining the institution’s relevance and stability.
While senior royals like Charles, William, and Kate capture headlines, the enduring popularity of Princess Anne demonstrates the value placed on steadfast dedication.
The year 2024 has highlighted the humanity of the royals as they navigate personal health struggles and adapt to the changing demands of their roles.
The poll serves as a testament to the public’s appreciation for their efforts, with Anne’s victory reaffirming her place as one of the monarchy’s most respected figures.
As the Royal Family looks to 2025, their ability to balance tradition with modernity will remain crucial.
And while polls may rank their efforts, it’s clear that each member brings something vital to the institution’s enduring legacy.