Anne Princess Royal – Biography, Age, Husband, and Children

Anne, Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Born on 15 August 1950, she is known for her decades of public service, her equestrian career, and for holding the traditional title of Princess Royal since 1987. She is often described as one of the hardest-working members of the British royal family.

Her full name is Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, and she was born at Clarence House in London. She was educated at Benenden School and began undertaking royal engagements in 1969 at the age of 18. According to the official website of the Royal Family, she developed a serious interest in horses at a young age and went on to become an accomplished rider.

Over the years, Anne has built a reputation for a no-nonsense, dedicated approach to her duties. She is associated with more than 300 charities and organizations, with a particular focus on sport, science, disability, and health causes.

What is Anne, Princess Royal’s full name and how old is she?

• Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
• She is the seventh Princess Royal, a title held for life since June 1987.
• She is a keen equestrian and competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
• She has two children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.
• She is known for her hard-working, no-nonsense approach to royal duties.

Who are Princess Anne’s husband, children, and grandchildren?

Her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips

Anne married Captain Mark Phillips on 14 November 1973 in Westminster Abbey. The couple had two children: Peter Phillips, born in 1977, and Zara Phillips, born in 1981. Their marriage ended in divorce in April 1992.

Her second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence

Later in 1992, Anne married Commander Timothy Laurence, a naval officer and former aide to Queen Elizabeth II. The wedding took place in Scotland. Laurence was later knighted, and the couple remains married.

Her children and grandchildren

Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (née Phillips) are Anne’s two children. Zara, a successful equestrian like her mother, married former rugby player Mike Tindall. Peter married Autumn Kelly in 2008, and the couple later divorced. According to biographical records, Anne has five grandchildren: Savannah, Isla, Mia, Lena, and Lucas.

How was Anne, Princess Royal portrayed in The Crown and what was she like as a young royal?

Her early life as a young royal

As a young woman, Anne was known for her strong will and independence. She developed a passion for horses early on and began competing seriously in her late teens. In 1971, she won the European three-day event, and in 1976 she became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games, riding in Montreal.

The attempted kidnapping in 1974

In 1974, Anne survived an attempted kidnapping when a gunman attacked her car on The Mall in London. The incident, in which she remained calm under threat, reinforced her reputation for composure and bravery.

Her portrayal in The Crown

Anne has been portrayed in the Netflix series The Crown, particularly in scenes covering her younger years and her first marriage. It is important to note that the series dramatizes events for storytelling purposes. Viewers interested in the factual details of Anne’s life should consult authoritative sources such as official biographies and historical records. The research notes for this article do not include a reliable source detailing the specifics of The Crown’s portrayal.

What key events shaped Anne, Princess Royal’s life?

1. 1950 – Born at Clarence House, London.
2. 1973 – Married Captain Mark Phillips in Westminster Abbey.
3. 1976 – Competed in the Montreal Olympics as an equestrian.
4. 1977 – Birth of her son, Peter Phillips.
5. 1981 – Birth of her daughter, Zara Phillips (now Tindall).
6. 1987 – Given the title Princess Royal by Queen Elizabeth II.
7. 1992 – Divorced Mark Phillips; married Sir Timothy Laurence.
8. 2002 – Death of her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
9. 2022 – Death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II; accession of King Charles III.

What is known and what remains unclear about Princess Anne?

What is Anne’s role within the British monarchy?

Anne is often regarded as one of the most hard-working members of the royal family, consistently carrying out a high number of official engagements each year. Her no-nonsense personality has made her a popular figure in the United Kingdom. As Princess Royal, she holds a title traditionally granted to the monarch’s eldest daughter, and it is held for life. Before receiving this title in June 1987, she was known simply as Princess Anne.

Her equestrian career sets her apart among modern royals. Beyond her own competitive achievements, she has been involved with riding-for-the-disabled organizations and has served as president of the British Olympic Association. Her patronages span a wide range of fields, including sport, science, disability support, and health.

What do official sources say about Anne, Princess Royal?

“The Princess Royal was born on 15 August 1950 in London. She is the only daughter and second child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.”

— Official website of the Royal Family (royal.uk)

“Anne, Princess Royal is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

— Wikipedia – Anne, Princess Royal

These two authoritative sources provide consistent and verified information about Anne’s identity and family background. For further reading, the official Royal Family website offers a detailed biography, while Britannica provides a comprehensive reference entry. Additional context on her early life and career can be found through EBSCO research starters and Wikipedia. A dedicated page of 75 facts at 75 is also available on the royal website.

Who is Anne, Princess Royal in summary?

Anne, Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, born on 15 August 1950. She holds the title Princess Royal, granted in 1987, and is known for her extensive charitable work, her career as an Olympic equestrian, and her reputation as one of the most dedicated working members of the royal family. She has two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, and five grandchildren. Her life story is well-documented through official sources, though dramatized portrayals such as The Crown should be approached with caution. For a broader view of the monarchy, explore the British Royal Family Tree or read the Queen Elizabeth II Biography.

Frequently asked questions about Anne, Princess Royal