Fans have been praising the Princess Royal for taking the wheel

Princess Anne drove herself to the University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus just a day after Princess Kate took to the wheel when she drove to Windsor Castle.

The Princess Royal visited the site in the centre of Gloucester, taking time to meet university staff and students.

Royal fans have been praising Anne, with one saying: “Cool Princess Anne as always. She is a star, so down to earth, no nonsense and hardworking.”

Another praised the Princess Royal, writing: “Good on her.”

The Princess Royal drove herself to the engagement | INSTAGRAM/THEROYALFAMILYShe toured the building alongside the Vice Chancellor Dame Clare Marchant DBE, seeing the new Gloucestershire Library, lecture theatre, art and wellbeing spaces and classrooms.

Anne gave a short speech praising the partnerships the university has built.

The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening before departing.

Dame Marchant said: “We’re thrilled that the Princess Royal could join us to celebrate and mark such an important milestone both for the university and the wider community.

Anne unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening before departing | INSTAGRAM/THEROYALFAMILY

“We were proud to have an opportunity to show the Princess Royal how we’ve collaborated with a range of partners to sympathetically transform the former Debenhams building into a cutting-edge location that is bringing benefits to our students, staff and local people.

“It was fantastic to welcome so many people from organisations who have played, and will continue to play, such key roles in the development of City Campus and, of course, meet former Debenhams and Bon Marche employees for whom the iconic location holds so many fond memories.”

Anne’s drive out came just a day after Kate drove herself to a royal engagement at Windsor Castle on Wednesday as she hosted England’s World Cup-winning women’s rugby team in her first solo public duty of 2026.

Footage shared on social media showed the Princess of Wales arriving behind the wheel of a dark car and stepping out in the rain holding an umbrella, accompanied by a man.

The Princess Royal visited the site in the centre of Glouceste INSTAGRAM/THEROYALFAMILY

The clip prompted fan reaction online, with one post on X saying: “The Princess of Wales drove herself to Windsor Castle this afternoon to host a reception for the England Women’s rugby team – in an Alexander McQueen suit and stilettos. Iconic.”

One supporter replied: “So amazing she doesn’t require people to drive her and can easily do it herself.”

Another wrote: “And she is holding the umbrella,” while a third added: “Pure class.”

Finally, a fourth said: “Driving in stilettos – respect right there!”

Princess Kate was hailed as ‘iconic’ after driving herself to Windsor Castle| GETTY

The engagement on January 15 was held to mark the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup victory, with the team welcomed to Windsor Castle alongside the tournament trophy.

The princess is patron of the Rugby Football Union and followed the squad’s campaign during the tournament.

She even watched from the stands when England beat Australia in Brighton during the pool stages.

England sealed the title with a 33-13 win over Canada in the final at Twickenham Stadium in front of a record crowd of 81,885.

This continued a run of success that included previous World Cup victories in 2014 and 1994.