Princess Anne, whose full name is Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
This August 15, Anne celebrated her 73rd birthday and her brother King Charles took the opportunity to congratulate her and publish a couple of unpublished photos of the Princess.
Princess Anne’s birthday photos
King Charles III celebrated his younger sister’s birthday, with two touching photographs.
The first photo was taken by celebrated royal photographer Chris Jackson, who captured an intimate moment between King Charles and Princess Anne on coronation day.
The siblings are shown conversing, with King Charles still wearing the Imperial Crown of State, a symbol of his new role as monarch.
The second photograph was taken at Clarence House in 1951, showing the King (then Prince Charles) holding the hand of Princess Royal (then Princess Anne).
“Wishing Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal a very Happy Birthday today!”, was the message that accompanied the photographs.
These candid images are a testament to the bond between brother and sister. Princess Anne, King Charles’ only sister, occupies a prominent place in his life.
Over the years, their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and camaraderie.
Since his accession to the throne in September 2022, King Charles has bestowed several important appointments on Princess Anne. Chief among them is her role as “gold baton-in-waiting” during coronation processions.
The princess’s ceremonial riding alongside her brother’s carriage exemplified the pivotal role she played in the grandeur of the coronation proceedings that unfolded at Buckingham Palace on May 6.
Princess Anne of England: A lifetime of dedication and achievement
Princess Anne is known for her active involvement in various charities and her dedication to equestrian sports, particularly horse riding.
Over the years she has also undertaken numerous royal duties and commitments in support of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now lends her unwavering support to her brother, the current King Charles III.
In the annals of British royalty, Princess Anne emerges as an extraordinary figure whose lifetime of dedication, achievement, and contributions has left an indelible mark on both the monarchy.
From a very young age, Princess Anne demonstrated a great sense of duty and an unwavering dedication to her royal responsibilities.
As a member of the Royal Family, she has participated in a wide range of official engagements and public appearances. Her involvement with charities in the fields of health, education, and social welfare highlighted her genuine concern for the welfare of society.
A notable example is her role as president of Save the Children UK, where she championed the rights and welfare of children on a global scale.
Beyond her philanthropic efforts, Princess Anne carved out a unique niche for herself as a pioneer in the field of equestrian sports.
The pinnacle of her equestrian career came with the title of European Eventing Champion in 1971.
Her fervor for equestrianism and equestrian events led her to compete in several international competitions, including the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Princess Anne’s dedication to equestrianism culminated in her active role in various equestrian organizations.
She became President of the British Olympic Association, a position that enabled her to contribute significantly to the development and advancement of British sports on the world stage.
Her personal life experienced a tumultuous period in the early 1990s when her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips came to an end.
Undeterred by personal challenges, she emerged stronger and remained committed to her royal duties and charitable work.
On December 12, 1992, she married Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence in a private ceremony at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Timothy Laurence is a former naval officer who held various positions in the Royal Navy. He had previously served as Equestrian to Queen Elizabeth II.