Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, has extended a heartfelt message of support to Princess Catherine as she bravely battles cancer.

In a touching display of sisterly love, Princess Anne reached out to Catherine, acknowledging the unique challenges she faces as a member of the royal family, particularly in the age of social media.

Despite her own experiences navigating the public eye, Princess Anne candidly admitted that life as a royal has been much harder for Catherine than it ever was for her.

With media scrutiny intensifying since Catherine’s relationship with Prince William was made public, Princess Anne empathizes with the emotional toll it takes, especially amidst such a personal health battle.

In a documentary released to mark Anne’s birthday, the 73-year-old royal attributed the difference in experiences to age and the advent of social media. She expressed concern and love for Catherine, recognizing the difficulties younger royals face in maintaining a balance between public life and personal well-being.

Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, echoed her sentiments, praising William and Catherine for their strength as a couple and their dedication to parenting amidst their royal duties. The couple’s ability to strike a balance between their public and private lives has garnered admiration from their family members.

While Princess Anne and Catherine share a warm relationship, they approach public engagements differently. Princess Anne, raised with the belief that it’s impractical to shake hands with every royal fan, maintains a more reserved demeanor during walkabouts. Reflecting on the evolution of public interactions within the royal family, Princess Anne noted the shift towards more frequent handshaking, observing that it has become more of a ritual than an authentic engagement with the public.

Amidst her personal interactions and family dynamics, Princess Anne continues to fulfill her royal duties with grace and dignity. This week, she presented awards to distinguished individuals, including Diana Parks, recognized for her service to vulnerable children, and R. Doll Ranne Finegan, honored for her efforts to promote diversity in nature conservation.

As Princess Anne remains a steadfast support to her family and a beacon of dedication to public service, her involvement in investiture ceremonies underscores the royal family’s commitment to recognizing excellence and celebrating individuals who make a significant impact across various fields.