The Princess Royal spoke about the concept of the slimmed down monarchy and how that looked after certain members of the firm quit.

Princess Anne watching the races at Royal Ascot

Princess Anne may have made a subtle dig at the couple earlier this year (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Princess Anne was seen to have made a discreet dig at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when asked about the concept of a “slimmed down” monarchy.

The Princess Royal, 74, has never spoken about the couple outright since their exit from the Royal Family in 2020, and was once of the only royals seen talking to Harry at events such as the King’s Coronation.

However, when being interviewed by CBC earlier this year, Anne said that her brother’s decision to slim down the number of senior working royals was made before certain senior people stepped down from their duties.

She said at the time: “Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ (monarchy) was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment.

“I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.”

Although rarely seen in public together, Princess Anne reportedly knew that Meghan had a “short shelf-life” in the monarchy as she failed to take the veteran royal’s precious advice on board.

Royal expert Neil Sean said of the incident: “According to a very good source Meghan Markle failed to warm to Princess Anne. And Princess Anne always knew that Meghan would have a very short shelf-life in the world of the British monarchy.

“Apparently, when Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family, she sought out Princess Anne. According to a very good source, Princess Anne gave very sage advice to the new royal.

“Princess Anne reiterated this mantra, she pointed out that it wasn’t a working monarchy, it was a job, you turn up on time, you do your research, and do the duty.

Princess Anne talking to Prince Harry at the King's Coronation

Anne spoke to Harry at the King’s Coronation (Image: Richard Pohle – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“It’s all about the project at hand. She also pointed out that whatever charities you are involved in you, you needed to get involved and get immersed.”

The Princess Royal has the title of one of the most hardworking members of the family, despite the fact she is also one of the oldest.

Despite suffering an injury earlier this year, Anne only took a brief period of time away from work to recover before returning back to her royal duties.