Prince Harry opens up about relying on alcohol and substances to cope during difficult periods
Princess Anne seems to have discovered the secret to her boundless energy by abstaining from alcohol entirely.
Whether attending charity galas, sporting events, or official engagements, the Princess Royal is rarely seen with a drink in hand.
Princess Anne’s teetotal lifestyle mirrors that of her younger brother, Prince Andrew, who has also publicly stated that he avoids alcohol, saying he “doesn’t have the head for it.”
The royal siblings stand out in a family where occasional indulgences are more common. Queen Elizabeth reportedly enjoyed a Dubonnet-and-gin cocktail passed down from her mother, and other family members have admitted to drinking to calm nerves under the pressures of public life.
Captain Sir Nicholas Wright RN, Anne’s former private secretary, told ITV’s Anne: The Princess Royal at 70 documentary that he was “very jealous” of the Princess’s alcohol-free approach.
Her choice may help explain her remarkable stamina, allowing her to manage multiple weekly engagements, navigate complex schedules, and attend high-profile events without missing a beat.
Even within the modern royal generation, coping strategies differ. Prince Harry has openly discussed turning to alcohol and other substances to manage the mental strain of life, describing a period when he felt “all over the place mentally” and was willing to try anything to feel better.
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