Princess Anne's cutting jibe about 'slimmed down' Royal Family that hinted at Harry and Meghan rift

Princess Anne is said to have warned Meghan Markle about life as a working royal when she joined the family - and her comments seem to have been proven true.

Princess Anne has subtly referenced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from royal duties while discussing the notion of a pared-down monarchy, despite being one of the few royals publicly seen with Harry since their withdrawal in 2020. At 74, the Princess Royal has kept her thoughts on the Sussexes private, but opened up about her brother’s intention to reduce the number of senior working royals in an earlier CBC interview.

Anne remarked: "Well, I think the 'slimmed-down' [monarchy] was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment."

She also expressed reservations about the concept, stating, "I mean, it doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing, I have to say. I'm not quite sure what else, you know, we can do."

Despite joint engagements between Anne and Harry being rare, it is rumoured that the princess foresaw the brevity of Meghan's stint in the monarchy, as she reportedly disregarding Anne’s wisdom, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

As Neil Sean, a royal commentator for the Daily Express, suggested: "According to a very good source Meghan Markle failed to warm to Princess Anne. And Princess Anne always knew that Meghan would have a very short shelf-life in the world of the British monarchy.

"Apparently, when Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family, she sought out Princess Anne. According to a very good source, Princess Anne gave very sage advice to the new royal.

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"Princess Anne reiterated this mantra, she pointed out that it wasn't a working monarchy, it was a job, you turn up on time, you do your research, and do the duty.

"It's all about the project at hand. She also pointed out that whatever charities you are involved in you, you needed to get involved and get immersed."

The Princess Royal is known for being one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family, despite being among the eldest. Even after suffering an injury earlier this year, Anne took only a brief hiatus from her duties before returning to her full schedule of royal engagements.

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