Anne again named hardest-working member of royal family

The Princess Royal has once again topped a list of days worked by members of the royal family - with the Duchess of Sussex appearing for the first time.

Anne, with her reputation for no fuss and strong work ethic, has worked the most number of days so far this year - 75 - followed by the Earl of Wessex with 59 and the Prince of Wales on 52.

The figures, covering January 1 to May 22, are derived from the Court Circular, the official daily record of public engagements attended by the royal family.

Meghan will make her first appearance in Tuesday's circular, as she is due to attend her inaugural engagement as a member of the monarchy with new husband Harry, a celebration of Charles's charitable work and his association with military units.

Harry did not wait until the couple were married to introduce the duchess to royal engagements, but these events were not listed in the official record as Meghan was not a member of the monarchy.

Meghan and Harry during their first royal engagement together, a visit to Nottingham last November. (Joe Giddens/PA)
Meghan and Harry during their first royal engagement together, a visit to Nottingham last November. (Joe Giddens/PA)

After the couple announced their engagement on November 27, they carried out 16 days of royal engagements together, starting with a visit to Nottingham last year and ending with a series of Anzac Day commemoration events in London in April.

Highlights from Charles and Camilla's year include official overseas trips to France and Greece, and a visit to Australia, where the prince launched the Commonwealth Games.

Since the start of the year, the Duke of Cambridge has carried out 33 days of engagements, the Duke of York 31, Duchess of Cornwall 30, and the Queen 26.

The Duchess of Cambridge, whose son, Prince Louis, was born on April 23, went on maternity leave a month ahead of the birth and is caring for her family.

The Duke of Edinburgh is listed once for his attendance at the royal wedding but Philip has effectively retired from public duties.

Number of days spent on public engagements during 2018:

Princess Royal 75
Earl of Wessex 59
Prince of Wales 52
Duke of Sussex 34
Duke of Cambridge 33
Duke of York 31
Duchess of Cornwall 30
Queen 26
Duchess of Cambridge 22
Duke of Edinburgh 1
Duchess of Sussex 1

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