Princess Anne expands royal duties with new role, delaying possibility of retirement

Princess Anne has added another title to her extensive list of responsibilities, as she has been named the new patron of The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (MIPF)—a charity supporting injured grassroots rugby players in Scotland.

The 74-year-old royal, who has been a longtime supporter of Scottish rugby, was announced as the patron of the MIPF, a charity that has provided crucial assistance to amateur players facing long-term challenges due to injuries sustained on the field.

The foundation, established in 1973, has played a vital role in offering financial and practical support to injured athletes, covering both men’s and women’s rugby.

Chairperson of MIPF, Ian Rankin, spoke about the princess’s unwavering commitment to the sport.

"The Princess Royal has been a dedicated supporter of the Scotland rugby team through umpteen swings of fortune since the 1980s, performing the official opening of Murrayfield’s East Stand in 1983 and becoming the SRU’s Patron in 1986," Rankin told Express UK.

"Her passion for sport, her commitment to the game at all levels, is well documented and we are honoured to have her join us as our Patron."

In the past year, the MIPF has assisted 18 players in the men’s game and eight in the women’s game, ensuring they receive the help they need to adjust to life after a serious injury.

Often regarded as the hardest-working royal, Princess Anne is known for her tireless dedication to public service. She carries out a high number of engagements each year and has openly dismissed the idea of retirement.

Following her South Africa tour, the royal spoke to PA Media about her future in the royal family, stating that retirement “isn’t really an option.”

"It really isn't written in, no. It isn't really an option, no, I don't think so."

She added: “You're jolly lucky... if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis. And last summer, I was very close to not being. Take each day as it comes, they say."

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