While Princess Anne is widely admired for her no-nonsense attitude and deep dedication to equestrian sports, life on her Gloucestershire estate presents more than a few unexpected challenges—especially when it comes to maintaining a safe environment for her horses.

Inside Gatcombe Park: A Royal Gift with Rustic Realities

The Princess Royal has called Gatcombe Park home since 1976, when her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, gifted her the property following her marriage to Mark Phillips. Spanning approximately 700 acres in the Cotswolds, the estate is known for its rolling landscapes and equestrian facilities. It even plays host to the annual Festival of British Eventing, one of the highlights in the British riding calendar.

But managing such a vast countryside estate comes with its own set of hurdles—one of which might be unexpected to those unfamiliar with rural land: toxic plants.

An Unlikely Threat: Ragwort vs. Horses

In a 2023 interview, Princess Anne opened up about the ongoing struggle she faces with ragwort, a yellow-flowered native plant in the UK that’s both visually charming and biologically dangerous—particularly to horses and cattle.

While some environmental advocates praise ragwort for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, its ingestion can be fatal to grazing animals. And unfortunately, it tends to thrive in meadows—the very places where Anne’s beloved horses roam.

“My biggest row at home is ragwort,” Anne shared. “A lot of people think it’s absolutely brilliant because butterflies love it, but it’s not good for the horses.”

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.