Princess Anne, 74, is set to leave her beloved royal home, Gatcombe Park, next week, and it's going to be a harrowing occasion.
The Princess Royal is due to visit Turkey for a royal visit on 24 and 25 April, and according to a Buckingham Palace announcement, during her stay she will attend memorial services on the Gallipoli peninsula.
© Tom Maher/INPHO/ShutterstockThe press release explains her sombre itinerary – it reads: "On Thursday, The Princess Royal will attend the Turkish, French, United Kingdom, Commonwealth and Irish memorial services on the Gallipoli peninsula.
"As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), Her Royal Highness will visit the grave of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Doughty-Wylie, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Gallantry in the Gallipoli campaign.
© Anadolu via Getty Images"On Friday, The Princess Royal will attend the Dawn Memorial Service at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli peninsula. Following the service, Her Royal Highness will conduct audiences with the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Governor-General of Australia.
"The Princess Royal will conclude her visit by attending the Australian and New Zealand memorial services."
Previously, Anne's brother King Charles had attended the events and now she takes on the duties. She will be attending alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
© GettyWhile the pair won't be at home on their Gatcombe estate, it's likely there will be staff present to take care of things. Plus, Anne's daughter Zara Tindall lives on the same estate at Aston Farm with her husband Mike and their three children.
Princess Anne: 5 surprising facts
© Getty1. Hardest-working royal
In 2024, Princess Anne retained her crown as the hardest-working royal for a fourth year in a row, racking up an impressive 395 engagements in UK, alongside 79 abroad.
2. Criminal offence
Princess Anne became the first senior member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence. In 2002, her three-year-old English Bull Terrier bit two children in Windsor, Great Park. She pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act and was fined £500.
3. Lucky escape
Just four weeks after her wedding in 1974, Princess Anne survived a kidnapping attempt. While driving down The Mall, her chauffeur had to stop the car due to another vehicle blocking the road. Ian Ball got out of the car and shot the chauffeur. Despite Ian shooting a total of four men in the encounter, Anne escaped unharmed.
4. Breaking tradition
When Anne's children, Peter and Zara, were born, she declined the chance to grant them royal titles. She explained her decision to Vanity Fair: "I think it was probably easier for them, and I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles."
5. Signature hairdo
In a 2020 documentary, Princess Anne exclaimed her surprise that it took two hours to style the hair of Erin Doherty, who portrays her in The Crown. Anne said it only takes her 10 to 15 minutes to do her own hair.
Anne's concerns
© Getty ImagesAnne has been very transparent about her "worries" regarding her beloved home, expressing her concerns about the future there.
In an interview with Country Life magazine in 2009, the King's sister spoke about her life at home, where she has a working farm. In the past, she has used the large estate to host events like the Festival of British Eventing, although it has failed to run in recent years.
© Tim Graham, Getty"I do worry that one day we'll be told that we can't have organic status anymore," she said. "Even picking up people’s hay and other rubbish from their (horse) lorries could threaten our organic status. And having the great British public tramping around is hardly organic," she said.
Speaking to Countryfile previously, Anne's candid comments revealed that she doesn't take her luxury living situation for granted. Talking about the farm and her home, she said: "This is not something that comes free, this has got to pay its way, otherwise I can't stay here."
What's Gatcombe Park like?
The Grade II-listed property is reported to have five main bedrooms, four secondary bedrooms, four reception rooms, a library, a billiard room and a conservatory. Take a look:
© Geoffrey White/Daily Mail/ShutterstockPrincess Anne's study
This black and white snap was taken in 1983, and it includes Anne's ex Mark Phillips.
The room, which appears to be a study, has a large white bookcase is mounted on the wall. The shelves are decorated with plenty of books, trinkets and framed photos, giving the room a warm and cosy feel.
There are also horse ornaments on the bookcase, perfect for Anne as a self-confessed horse lover and former Olympic equestrian.
© InstagramPrincess Anne's lounge
During the pandemic, Anne shared a photo of herself and Tim watching the rugby together. The relatable room has a but of clutter and a lot of sentimental items, and that struck a cord with onlookers. "I love that their house looks like anyone’s house," added one, with another saying: "I love the lived-in cosy look."
Princess Anne's home for daughter Zara
Anne's daughter Zara and her husband Mike moved into a beautiful cottage on Aston Farm in 2013. The exterior shows it is a brick property with idyllic surroundings.
According to MailOnline, the couple splashed out on giving the Grade II-listed farmhouse a modern, high-tech revamp including installing a games room and brand new kitchen before they moved in.
© InstagramPrincess Anne's party barn
In a Vogue interview, Anne's now-not-so-secret party barn was revealed by Mike Tindall. The interview reads: "At the centre of the farm is a converted barn known to all as 'the party barn' with a bar and catering facilities, giant screen and lounges that combine to make it the perfect setting for a gathering of old friends."
Mike showcased the space in this Instagram snap, revealing the room's striking beams, bar stools and modern decor.
