Princess Anne stepped down on January 8 as one of the first senior royals back in action for 2026.
She made her way to Oxford as honorary president of the Oxford Farming Conference, which has become something of a winter tradition for the palace’s most indefatigable royal.
Instead of riding along on pomp and ceremony, Anne attended a gathering about British agricultural farmers, industry leaders and political thinkers unpacking the future of food, sustainability and rural life.
The conference itself was held in the historic Examination Schools in Oxford city centre.
Sources close to the event say she took part in lively discussions, listened to speakers debating topics from land management to innovation and rubbed shoulders with delegates long enough for practical conversations outside of the usual royal photo ops.
As Honorary President, Anne has been a fixture in Oxford agricultural circles for years, championing a sector that relies on resilience and innovation as much as tradition.
A delegate told FarmingUK that her comments at previous conferences have inspired producers trying to balance economic pressures and environmental stewardship.
The princess has reminded the public that in addition to hard work, she also has a sharp sense of humour.
A video from an official engagement at Wormwood Scrubs Pony Center recently went viral, showing the 75-year-old cracking jokes as he marks the 35th anniversary of the London-based horse charity.
Addressing reporters before cutting the celebratory cake, Anne said: “I hope you all had a chance to see this cake because it’s really amazing.
The instructions are you will eat it if I cut it. Otherwise, it’s just legalized vandalism. So enjoy the cake!”
The audience erupted in laughter and social media users were quick to pour out praise.
“I adore her,” wrote one, while another noted that she is “dry like her father, sassy like her mother.”
Anne, who serves as deputy patron of the British Horse Society, toured the center with actor and BHS president Martin Clunes and chief executive James Hick, where she met volunteers who support equine therapy for children with physical disabilities.
She carried her own umbrella, proving that practicality goes hand in hand with her good humour.
The visit was particularly poignant and came just three days after her brother, King Charles, publicly shared his cancer diagnosis.
