Explaining this age-old mystery of why Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, never officially made his home at Buckingham Palace despite being a key figure in the royal family, Princess Anne has revealed information about her father which many may find surprising. The comments by the princess have shocked the public and given further perspective on the dynamics of palace life.
Speaking during a rare interview, Princess Anne, the Queen's second child and only daughter known for her no-nonsense attitude and frank manner, revealed her father had a different relationship with the palace. According to Anne, Prince Philip's decision to largely avoid residing at Buckingham Palace was rooted in his desire for independence and his belief in maintaining a sense of normalcy for his family.
"He never liked the formalities," Princess Anne said. "He always felt that Buckingham Palace was too stuffy and formal for his taste. For him, it was more about being somewhere that allowed him the space to work and be himself. He wasn’t one for the ceremonial side of things."
This unexpected candidness from Princess Anne shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of Prince Philip’s life. While many assume that the Duke, as the husband of the Queen, would have spent most of his time at Buckingham Palace, Anne’s admission reveals a different side of the royal family’s living arrangements.
Prince Philip's preference for living outside the palace led him to spend a considerable amount of time at **Windsor Castle**, where he was able to carry out his royal duties without the constraints of the public eye. It was here that he found the tranquility he craved, often retreating to the private estates at Sandringham or at Balmoral for relaxation, away from the spotlight.
His decision to avoid living at Buckingham Palace also helped him to maintain a more down-to-earth and active lifestyle, particularly as he grew older. While Queen Elizabeth II maintained a bustling schedule at Buckingham Palace, Prince Philip found solace in his own routines, often indulging in his passions for carriage driving and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award work.
The Princess’s remarks have reignited conversation about Prince Philip’s legacy and the unusual role he played within the royal family. His quiet rebellion against royal tradition is now being seen in a new light, as many view him as a man who sought personal autonomy amidst the constraints of royal life.
As royal watchers digest this fresh insight into Prince Philip’s character, it’s clear that his decision to avoid living at Buckingham Palace was a personal one, rooted in a desire to live life on his terms, even in the shadow of the monarchy.