After decades of resentment and jealousy, Prince Charles and Princess Anne’s bitter sibling rivalry has resulted in an explosive showdown behind palace walls just days after it was revealed that Charles will soon be crowned King.
WATCH! Prince Charles escalated sibling feud with CRUEL nickname for Princess Anne’s husband!
According to royal insiders, Anne, who is fourteenth in the line of succession, was left thoroughly disappointed to learn that her brother could take over the throne in as little as two years’ time – a role she believes she could carry out with more grace and warmth.
“While Charles and Anne respect each other and get on well, they have never been close,” reveals our insider, adding the pair’s troubled relationship began from a young age and intensified in adulthood.
“They were born two years apart and when young they were brought up a lot of the time by nannies because their parents were stationed in Malta, leaving them in England.
“Anne was a much stronger character, and still is today, and even bossed Charles around, though he was older. She was a bit of a tomboy while Charles was sensitive and slightly weak.”
She has always been a much more practical person and takes after her father, very much ‘getting on with it’.
Recently voted eighth most popular royal, just behind Charles, Anne has been described as a “strong and committed” member of the family – a major turnaround from how the public viewed her in the ’70s and ’80s.
“Anne was the black sheep of the family and didn’t endear herself to the press or public who saw her as arrogant and aloof,” says the source.
And while she will never be the reigning monarch, the princess is said to simply want the recognition she deserves and more patronages as her mother heads towards retirement.
“Anne wants to be taken seriously now the public respect her as hard working and dutiful. However, the chances of her being bestowed a new title once Charles is King is doubtful as the Princess Royal is about as high as it could get.”
Just last week, reports emerged suggesting the Queen plans to officially step down from the throne on her 95th birthday.
“Anne is very fond of her mother and full of admiration for her sense of duty and service,” explains the source.
It’s this trait demonstrated by Her Majesty, who became the longest reigning British monarch in 2015 – which Anne strongly believes she too has inherited. Just recently, the 68-year-old attended The Household Cavalry Farewell Parade in Windsor dressed in the uniform of her position as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, just hours after attending the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston.
In fact, Anne was revealed to have worked 180 days in 2018 – more than any other member of the royal family. According to the analysis conducted by The Telegraph, that’s 20 days more than her brother, the heir apparent Prince Charles.
“Anne has been the hardest working royal for many years,” explains our insider.
“Some cynics have suggested she likes to work hard because her first marriage was on the rocks for many years, and that her second to Tim Laurence has its problems, however, it is unlikely she will ever divorce again – she wouldn’t want to let the Queen down,” the source adds.
The well-placed insider went on to divulge how Charles and Anne’s relationship became even more distressed following Charles’ divorce from his first wife, Princess Diana.
“Even though Anne was not a fan of Diana she wasn’t happy when her brother decided to air his dirty linen in public when his marriage to Diana failed, and so she told him. Anne very much feels private relationships and family matters should be kept private,” the insider reveals.
So when Charles eventually went on to introduce his former mistress Camilla Parker Bowles into the royal fold, it is believed Anne felt extremely embarrassed and humiliated, especially given their history.
“Anne’s relationship with Camilla is complicated because Anne’s first serious boyfriend was Andrew Parker Bowles who went on to marry Camilla,” the source continues.
“However, she thinks it would have been better for all concerned – including herself – if Charles had just married Camilla in the first place.”
Adding to the spectacle, some gossips have even suggested that Anne still carries a torch for Andrew.
“They have always remained close and even today you will see Anne being escorted around Royal Ascot by Andrew,” says our insider.
For more, pick up the latest copy of New Idea on sale now!
