The poignant image of Anne, Princess Royal last September escorting her mother’s casket during her solemn final journey from Balmoral to Windsor is one that remains etched on the minds of so many of us. Now, as she celebrates her 73rd birthday, she faces more heartache as the one year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death approaches.
Anne was at the Queen’s bedside when she passed away on 8 September and later said in a statement that she felt “fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest mother’s life”.
But while her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence will be there to offer his support in these difficult weeks, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond notes that five other individuals will offer immense comfort and distraction: her grandchildren – Savannah, 12, Isla, 11, Mia, nine, Lena, five, and Lucas, two.
“Kids take you out of your world, into a space full of laughter… or tantrums… toys and playtime. Whatever they’re up to, it’s all-consuming, leaving no time to think about how sad you are really feeling,” says Jennie. “They also throw your focus onto the future, instead of dwelling on the past, and I imagine Princess Anne will be taking every chance to be with her grandchildren – as much as she can with her extremely busy work schedule.”
Indeed, as one of the hardest working royals, Princess Anne still regularly carries out more than 500 engagements each year with little fuss or fanfare and Jennie says that her work will also be “a very useful distraction from grief”.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 21, 2023 من OK! UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 21, 2023 من OK! UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event