Her approach is all about moderation. Instead of removing it completely, she advocates targeted management: “Don’t take all the ragwort out—just where the horses are. But it’s quite a delicate balance.”
A Wider Conversation: Rewilding and Land Stewardship
Princess Anne also voiced caution about rewilding large portions of the estate. While rewilding has grown in popularity for its ecological benefits, Anne expressed concern that letting nature take over entirely might not yield the desired outcomes.
“If you’re not careful, you rewild all the wrong things,” she said, referring to hardy but problematic species that outcompete more delicate ecosystems.
Her remarks highlight the nuanced challenges of being both a steward of the land and a caretaker of animals—roles that don’t always coexist without compromise.
Family Life on the Estate
Beyond her land management duties, Gatcombe Park remains a hub of family life. Princess Anne shares the home with her second husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Her daughter Zara Tindall, an accomplished equestrian herself, lives with her family just next door on the neighboring Aston Farm estate—formerly occupied by Anne’s ex-husband, Mark Phillips, after their separation.
With spacious interiors that include multiple reception rooms, a library, and several bedrooms for guests, Gatcombe Park is more than just a country house—it’s the living heart of a modern royal family that blends tradition with real-world responsibilities.
