Members of the Royal Family are expected to attend, and the Queen has only missed a handful of times during her reign due to other engagements. The races offer a fantastic opportunity to see the Royals out in public, dressed glamorously and mingling with guests in the Royal Enclosure.
This year’s Royal Ascot bec
ame particularly dramatic due to a fiery speech delivered by Princess Anne. As the patron of Royal Ascot, Princess Anne was invited to give some welcoming remarks on the event’s opening day. From what I’ve gathered, she did not hold back and made her stance clear on certain family matters that have been causing drama for the Queen lately. Here’s a rundown of the key points she addressed, according to those who were present.
She began with her usual pleasantries, thanking everyone for attending and expressing excitement for the week of racing ahead. However, her speech quickly took a serious turn. “While we gather here to celebrate one of our finest British institutions, I must address some troubling issues within my own family,” she stated. A murmur of surprise went through the crowd as she continued.
“Over the past few years, some members of the family have chosen to step back from their Royal duties and responsibilities. While everyone is entitled to live their lives as they wish, there are consequences to those actions, whether realized or not. The monarchy is an institution larger than any one person and must always come first.”
It was evident that she was referring to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their decision to step down as working Royals and relocate to America. Princess Anne was unequivocal in her criticism: “Commitments made on behalf of this family seem to have been quickly cast aside. One cannot simply disregard centuries of tradition, duty, and service to suit oneself. There are expectations that come with being part of the Royal Family, yet some individuals only wish to take what benefits they can without consideration for others or the institution we all serve.”
The audience gasped at her blunt statements, as Princess Anne showed no mercy in addressing Harry and Meghan’s behavior. Her tone was stern and direct. “Family differences come and go, but once trust and respect are lost, they are not easily regained. Make no mistake, the damage done will not be forgotten or easily forgiven. Going forward, one’s welcome and role within this family will be evaluated on actions, not just words. Lip service will not suffice, and half measures will not be accepted.”
Though some may have expected her to name names, Princess Anne remained diplomatic, ensuring her message was clear. She concluded with a shift in tone: “With that said, let us focus on the joyous week ahead, celebrating all things equestrian. Please enjoy Royal Ascot and all it has to offer. Thank you.”
The audience responded with polite applause, though the mood had clearly shifted from the usual pleasantries. Princess Anne had firmly laid down the law regarding ongoing family issues. Sources later revealed that as patron of Royal Ascot, she felt it was important to be upfront about the current state of affairs with Harry and Meghan, given their numerous media attacks and accusations against the institution. Trust and willingness to cooperate have severely diminished.
Some speculate that this speech was Queen Elizabeth’s way of sending a message through her daughter. The Queen, known for avoiding direct confrontation, seemed to have used Princess Anne’s address to make her feelings and message crystal clear: actions have consequences, and respect must be earned back.
Unsurprisingly, the speech sent shockwaves through the Royal world and beyond. Harry and Meghan have not publicly responded to Princess Anne’s apparent criticisms, but it’s clear they were made aware of the speech and its implications for their standing within the family. If there was any doubt about their place within the Royal Family following their departure, this speech undoubtedly crushed any remaining possibilities and underscored that betrayal of the Queen and the institution will not be tolerated.