Princess Anne has shed new light on one of the most discussed aspects of royal life, explaining why her father, Prince Philip, did not always live alongside Queen Elizabeth II during the later years of their marriage.
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The Duke of Edinburgh and the late Queen shared one of the longest royal marriages in British history, spending more than seven decades together. However, in the years following Prince Philip's retirement from public duties in 2017, reports frequently highlighted that he spent much of his time away from Buckingham Palace, residing primarily at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
According to Princess Anne, the arrangement was far less dramatic than many royal watchers assumed. She explained that Prince Philip valued independence and preferred a quieter lifestyle after decades of carrying out official engagements. Having completed thousands of royal appearances throughout his life, he wanted the freedom to pursue his personal interests away from the demands of public service.
Princess Anne noted that her father enjoyed spending time reading, painting, and managing various projects in a more relaxed environment. Wood Farm offered him privacy and a chance to live on his own terms while still maintaining a close relationship with the Queen.