King Charles has 'complete confidence' in Princess Anne as 'universally respected' royal

Princess Anne is celebrating her 75th birthday today, choosing to mark the big day privately. As The Princess Royal, Anne has a very busy life and will no doubt be enjoying time away from the royal spotlight with her nearest and dearest.

While it is not known if she will see her older brother King Charles, 76, today, with the monarch busy marking the anniversary of VJ Day, it is well-known that the pair have a close bond. As well as being just years apart in age, Charles and Anne are believed to have much in common, including their dedication to a life of public service.

It is also believed that Anne is a close confidant to the King, with one expert exclusively telling Express.co.uk that Charles has "complete confidence" in his sister.

Expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: "Princess Anne celebrates her 75th birthday today. She has said she regards each day as a 'bonus' after her accident last year.

"This bonus is shared as in her, King Charles has a dedicated senior working member of the Royal Family who is universally respected.

"Everyone knows she is the hardest working, dislikes fuss and pomposity and, on occasion, speaks her mind."

Fitzwilliams continued: "The King has come late to the role for which he was always destined for and is so unfortunate to be battling cancer.

"When, after his accession and during an extremely difficult period for the Royal Family he made Anne a Counsellor of State, it was an excellent decision.

"It is extraordinary that she was not one already and this underlined the complete confidence he has in her."