10 interesting facts about Anne, Princess Royal
15 August 1950 marks the birth of Anne, Princess Royal. What are 10 interesting facts about her?
1 birth and family
Anne, Princess Royal, was born on August 15, 1950, as the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As a young princess, she was said to be spirited, strong-willed, and deeply independent—traits she has carried throughout her royal life.
2 hobby
From an early age, Anne showed a passion for horses. She became an accomplished equestrian and in 1976, made history by becoming the first British royal to compete in the Olympic Games. She rode the Queen’s horse, Goodwill, in the Montreal Olympics, representing the United Kingdom in eventing.
3 title
The title of Princess Royal is not automatically given but is traditionally bestowed by the monarch to their eldest daughter. Anne received the title in June 1987, making her the seventh holder of this prestigious designation since its origin in 1642.
4 no-nonsense
Though raised in the spotlight, Anne has maintained a reputation for practicality and discretion. She is known to often reuse outfits and drive her own car, reflecting her no-nonsense approach to royal duties and public appearances.
5 first marriage
Her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973 was a significant royal event, watched by an estimated 500 million people worldwide. Unusually for a royal groom, Phillips declined a peerage, meaning their children—Peter and Zara—were born without royal titles.
6 kidnapping attempt
In 1974, Anne survived a dramatic kidnapping attempt. While returning to Buckingham Palace, her car was stopped by a gunman who tried to abduct her. Anne reportedly responded calmly and courageously, refusing to exit the vehicle. The assailant was ultimately thwarted by police and bystanders.
7 hardest-working member of the Royal Family
Over the decades, Princess Anne has become one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family. In some years, she has carried out more engagements than any other royal, often involving charities, military units, and civic organizations.
8 seccond marriage
Her second marriage in 1992 to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence marked a modern step for the monarchy. The ceremony was held quietly in Scotland, as the Church of England did not then permit the remarriage of divorced persons whose former spouses were still living.
9 duty
Anne has long held honorary military titles, including Admiral and General, across various branches of the armed forces. She regularly visits military personnel at home and abroad and is particularly admired for her devotion to veterans’ affairs.
10 useful above famous
An advocate for low-profile service, she once remarked that she preferred being "useful" rather than "famous." This ethos has shaped her decades of royal duty, earning her quiet but enduring respect both at home and abroad.
Princess Anne’s life is a testament to duty, resilience, and understated strength. From Olympic arenas to state banquets, and from quiet charity visits to moments of real personal courage, she continues to serve with dedication and dignity. If you enjoyed learning more about the Princess Royal, feel free to explore other posts on the remarkable lives of Europe’s royal families—and don’t forget to share your thoughts or favorite Anne moments in the comments below!
Pictures: from our fantastic photographer: Bjorn Hoex
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