Princess Anne’s Lifelong Love Affair with Lighthouses

From a young age, Princess Anne has harbored a unique passion that sets her apart from the rest of the royal family.

While Prince Andrew has recently garnered attention for his newfound hobby of tracking planes, it turns out that Anne's fascination has been with something much more steadfast: lighthouses.

This intriguing tidbit sheds light on the lesser-known pursuits of Britain's royals.

Since she was just five years old, Princess Anne has been captivated by these towering structures.

As the patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board, she has dedicated a significant portion of her life to exploring and advocating for lighthouses, particularly those scattered across Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Her commitment to this cause is not just ceremonial; it reflects a genuine enthusiasm that has persisted over decades.

In 2015, Anne took her passion a step further by contributing the foreword to a book titled Scottish and Makes Lighthouses.

This publication showcases the stunning beauty and isolation of these coastal beacons, as captured through the lens of photographer Ian Cowell.

In her writing, the Princess Royal eloquently describes how these lighthouses symbolize human resilience and creativity.

Anne has often expressed her admiration for the history behind lighthouses, referring to them as monuments built by courageous individuals with a vision.

She believes they stand as testaments to humanity's ability to coexist with the unpredictable forces of nature.

This sentiment resonates deeply with her, revealing a thoughtful side to the royal who is often seen in more formal settings.

Interestingly, the allure of lighthouses even made its way into popular culture, appearing in the fifth season of Netflix's The Crown.

In one episode, a character takes a tour of a lighthouse with the late Queen Elizabeth, highlighting the significance of these structures in British maritime heritage.

It's a charming nod to Anne's lifelong interest that many might not associate with royalty.

According to reports from The Sun, Princess Anne has set herself an ambitious goal: to visit every significant lighthouse in Scotland, of which there are 208.

Remarkably, she claims to be about halfway through her journey, demonstrating her dedication to this unusual pursuit.

It's not just a hobby; it's a quest that intertwines her love for adventure with her appreciation for history.