Princess Anne, always discreet, has become one of the pillars of her brother King Charles III's reign. Her sober style and life away from the media spotlight contrast with those of other members of the royal family.
Among those gestures of simplicity stands out the home she chose almost five decades ago as her main residence. This is Gatcombe Park, a country estate located in Gloucestershire County, in the southwest of England. An intimate place surrounded by nature, which perfectly reflects the personality of Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter.
A wedding gift turned refuge
The history of Gatcombe Park is linked to the tradition of the British royal family. In 1976, Queen Elizabeth II acquired the estate to give it to her daughter on the occasion of her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips.
Since then, Princess Anne has lived in this enclave, which features five main bedrooms, several living rooms, a library, and a greenhouse. The building, made with Bath stone, keeps the classic charm of English country houses.
After her divorce, the estate was divided into two areas to facilitate family life. Anne remained in the main residence, while her ex-husband settled in Aston Farm, part of the adjoining grounds.
A space where passion for horses reigns
Gatcombe Park is not just a home, but also a center for equestrian activities. The estate hosts major tournaments that bring together thousands of visitors every year. The most important takes place in August and attracts more than 40,000 people, becoming a key event on the sports calendar.
Princess Anne, a great horse enthusiast, actively participates in organizing these competitions. She herself designs the courses and is often seen around the grounds during the events. Visitors are not surprised to encounter the princess watching the races or talking with the participants.
In addition to equestrian competitions, the estate hosts craft and fashion fairs at different times of the year. Attendees can enjoy outdoor exhibitions and food stalls in a family-friendly atmosphere. Anne herself takes the opportunity to walk around the stalls and do some shopping with complete naturalness.
A residence that reflects Princess Anne's life
We visit the house where Princess Anne lives in England: surrounded by nature. The place is a reflection of her austere character and her passion for a simple life. There she devotes much of her time to farming and horse breeding.
The estate has been the setting for endearing family moments. Her children, Peter and Zara, grew up on its grounds and enjoyed the freedom of the countryside. Today, Zara Tindall continues to live in Gatcombe Park with her husband and their three children.
The princess's lifestyle has turned the estate into a symbol of continuity and pragmatism within the British monarchy. During the pandemic, images of the interior were even shared, showing the decoration unchanged for four decades. With this, Anne once again proved that for her, authenticity is above passing trends.