Princess Anne returns to Sandbanks for official royal engagement

Anne, 75, attended the engagement as part of her official duties, according to the Royal Diary.

LONDON: Princess Anne carried out an official engagement in southern England on Wednesday, visiting the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Sandbanks as reports continued to swirl over tensions between Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry during his visit to Britain to promote the Invictus Games.

Anne, 75, attended the engagement as part of her official duties, according to the Royal Diary. The visit marked her second official appearance in the Sandbanks area in just over a year.

Her appearance came amid media reports that Buckingham Palace declined to provide Prince Harry with accommodation during his stay in the United Kingdom, fueling renewed speculation about the strained relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the royal family. Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the reports.

In May last year, Anne visited the East Dorset Sailing Club in nearby Sandbanks to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.

During that engagement, she unveiled a commemorative plaque, met club officials and young sailors, and viewed historical displays documenting the club’s history.

As president of the Royal Yachting Association, Anne has long supported sailing organizations and maritime communities across Britain.

Her latest visit underscores her continuing role in promoting the country’s maritime heritage through public engagements.