“For the first time, all of them, especially Anne, started to wonder if it was a mistake to keep them ‘duty-free,'” a royal insider told RadarOnline.com. “Having Zara and Peter on the roster would have been an extraordinary help this past year.”
“The roster’s bare bones,” the insider explained. “If anyone has a say in the matter, it’s the hardest-working royal out there-Anne. She knows Zara, and even her husband Mike, would make a huge difference.”
The impact of Charles’ health in family dynamics
Reports of King Charles III battling a serious health condition have added urgency to Anne’s plea. Sources claim that Charles, 76, has continued to fulfill his royal duties despite his diagnosis, but the strain on the royal family is evident.
Anne‘s own health scare last year has reportedly added to Zara‘s motivation to step into a more active role within the royal family. In June 2024, Anne sustained a concussion after being kicked by a horse, raising concerns about her ability to continue her demanding royal schedule.
However, the 74-year-old is reportedly second-guessing that choice, particularly as the monarchy faces mounting challenges.
Nearly 50 years ago, Princess Anne declined the opportunity to grant royal titles to her children, Zara and Peter. At the time, the decision was seen as a modern approach to parenting, allowing her children to lead lives free from the constraints of royal obligations.