The Princess began to undertake public engagements alone when she was eighteen.

She first flew her personal standard in 1969 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire. Her first State visit was in May the same year, when she accompanied her mother and father to Austria.

The Save the Children Fund, of which she has been President since 1970, was the first major charity with which she became closely associated, and it has given her great insight into the needs of children worldwide.

This association, and her love of equestrian sports, have been the starting point for the development of a very wide range of charitable appointments, to all of which she devotes a large part of her working life. The Princess was also closely involved with the creation of some charities, notably The Princess Royal's Trust for Carers, Transaid and Riders for Health.

In addition to working for her charities and regiments both at home and overseas, the Princess carries out up to three overseas tours each year for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in support of British interests overseas. She also carries out a very wide range of official duties and visits in the United Kingdom in support of regional authorities and local institutions.

In 2008 Her Royal Highness carried out over 530 engagements in the UK and overseas.