Princess Anne turns 76: A look back at some of her most memorable moments
Princess Anne is celebrating her 76th birthday today, August 15, as members of the Royal Family and royal watchers mark the occasion.
The Princess Royal, the second child and only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was born on August 15, 1950.
Over the years, Anne has become one of the most respected and hardworking members of the Royal Family. Her commitment to public service has earned her praise from royal fans, with some even describing her as the “best Queen we never had”. She has also been labelled the Royal Family’s “secret weapon” because of her strong work ethic and straightforward personality.
As she celebrates another milestone, here are some notable moments from her life.
Born at Clarence House
Princess Anne was born at Clarence House in 1950 rather than Buckingham Palace.
At the time, Buckingham Palace was still undergoing repairs following damage caused during the Second World War, and the Royal Family had moved to Clarence House in 1949.
Following Anne’s birth, Prince Philip reportedly described her as “the sweetest girl”.
She was later christened in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace on October 21, 1950.
A close bond with Prince Philip
Anne was often described as having shared a particularly close relationship with her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Among Philip’s four children — King Charles III, Anne, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Edward — Anne was frequently portrayed as the child whose personality most closely resembled his.
Eileen Parker, the wife of Philip’s close friend Mike Parker, previously suggested that Philip had a particularly enjoyable relationship with Anne, while noting similarities between their personalities.
Growing up with Queen Elizabeth
Anne was raised alongside her brothers in the Royal Household and maintained a close relationship with her late mother.
Reflecting on her childhood, Anne previously spoke about the support she and her siblings received from their parents.
She recalled that there were occasional questions about their decisions, but said she never doubted that her mother cared for them in the same way any other mother would.
Her lifelong love of horses
One of Princess Anne’s most enduring passions has been horses.
She became a highly accomplished equestrian during her youth and competed at events including the Cookham Horse Trials in 1972.
In 1976, she made history by becoming the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games when she represented Britain in equestrian competition in Montreal, Canada.
Her connection with the equestrian world has continued throughout her life.
Her 1973 royal wedding
Princess Anne married Captain Mark Phillips in November 1973, when she was 23, in a spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The wedding attracted a huge international audience, estimated at around 500 million viewers worldwide.
Anne wore a high-necked wedding gown designed by London-based designer Susan Small. She completed her bridal look with Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, the same tiara her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had worn on her own wedding day.
Anne and Mark Phillips later had two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.
The couple announced their separation in 1989 and later divorced.
Today, Princess Anne remains one of the most active members of the Royal Family, continuing to carry out a demanding programme of public engagements and charitable work as she celebrates her 76th birthday.
