Princess Anne, once dubbed 'Princess Sourpuss' due to an underwhelming royal tour of the United States, has transformed from a perceived standoffish figure into one of the most dedicated members of the royal family. This fascinating shift in public perception is explored in the new Channel 5 documentary titled Princess Anne: Royal Rule-Breaker.
The tour in question took place in 1970, just before the Princess Royal's 20th birthday, when she and her brother, the then-Prince Charles, were sent to the United States to mend diplomatic relations strained by the Vietnam War. According to royal commentator Afua Hagan, the young royal's demeanor during this visit did not win her any favors. "They toured the Capitol for a couple of days, they met (US President) Richard Nixon, and at the time she was described as being a bit brusque, a bit blunt with the press. They dubbed her Princess Sourpuss," Hagan noted, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.
The intent behind this royal engagement was clear: to ease the diplomatic tensions between the UK and the US caused by Britain's refusal to send troops to the conflict in Vietnam. Royal author Dr. Ed Owens explained that the UK’s stance had effectively caused a diplomatic dispute, stating, "This had caused something of a diplomatic dispute between the two nations." He added that Anne and Charles were dispatched to 'really warm this relationship.'
However, the outcome seemed contrary to the aims of the visit. Hagan pointed out that Anne's decision not to engage with the press deeply impacted her image. "She said: 'I don't do interviews', she was labelled as being standoffish, perhaps even rude. She probably should have, and needed to turn on the charm offensive, but she chose not to," Hagan added, underscoring the importance of public relations for a royal visitor.
Dr. Tessa Dunlop, an author and historian, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the tour's reception in the United States: "People couldn't make head nor tale of her and didn't like much of what they saw, and I think we felt disappointed. It didn't really work for us on the other side of the pond where traditionally our Royal Family has always been welcomed, revered, celebrated."
Fast forward to today, and the narrative around Princess Anne has dramatically changed. Now at 74, she is recognized not just for her commitment to royal duties but as one of the hardest-working royals. In 2024, she completed an impressive 474 engagements both domestically and internationally, shattering any past notions of her as 'Princess Sourpuss.'
This transformation reflects not only personal growth but also a generational shift in the royal family's public image management. Today, Princess Anne is viewed as a diligent, dedicated royal, whose tireless efforts have positioned her as a significant figure within the monarchy.
The documentary Princess Anne: Royal Rule-Breaker airs tonight, March 22, 2025, at 9:15 PM on Channel 5, offering viewers an in-depth look at her life and legacy. It will also be available for catch-up viewing, allowing for a wider audience to appreciate her fascinating journey from a misunderstood royal to a cornerstone of the current monarchy.
