Anne, Princess Royal, born on August 15, 1950, in London, England, is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She holds the title of Princess Royal, a designation traditionally bestowed upon the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch. Known for her unwavering dedication to royal duties and charitable endeavors, Princess Anne has established herself as one of the most industrious members of the British royal family.
Early Life and Education
Princess Anne was born on August 15, 1950, at Clarence House in London. She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Raised in the royal household, Princess Anne was taught from an early age the importance of public service, alongside her brothers, King Charles III, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
She received her early education at Buckingham Palace and was later enrolled at Benenden School in Kent, where she finished her schooling in 1968. Princess Anne exhibited a keen interest in equestrian activities from a young age, a passion that would later define much of her public life. Her education was supplemented by a series of tutors, and she also developed a strong academic foundation during her time at Benenden. The Princess also received specialized training in various royal duties, preparing her for the life of service and responsibility that would be expected of her as a member of the British royal family.
Personal Life
Princess Anne’s personal life has been characterized by her strong sense of duty and independence. Despite the public spotlight, she has managed to maintain a sense of privacy, particularly regarding her personal relationships. She married Captain Mark Phillips, a fellow equestrian, on November 14, 1973. Their marriage produced two children: Peter Phillips (born 1977) and Zara Tindall (née Phillips, born 1981). However, the couple’s relationship was not without difficulties, and they divorced in 1992.
In the same year, Princess Anne married Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, a former naval officer who had worked closely with her during her royal duties. Their marriage has been marked by stability and mutual support. Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence continue to maintain a private life outside the public eye, with the Princess maintaining a high level of professional commitment to her royal responsibilities.
Family
Princess Anne comes from a distinguished royal lineage. She is the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Her immediate family includes her three brothers: King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. As the second child, Princess Anne has always been an important figure within the royal family, though her position has sometimes placed her in the background compared to her brothers.
She has been married twice and has two children: Peter Phillips, who is known for his work in the business world, and Zara Tindall, a world-renowned equestrian and Olympic medalist. Princess Anne has five grandchildren, making her an integral part of the extended royal family. While her siblings have often been more publicly involved in royal duties, Princess Anne has carved out a niche for herself, with a strong focus on her personal causes and charitable work.
Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise |
| Title | Princess Royal |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Clarence House, London, England |
| Parents | Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh |
| Siblings | King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex |
| Marriages | Captain Mark Phillips (1973–1992); Sir Timothy Laurence (1992–present) |
| Children | Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million (as of 2025) |
Career
Princess Anne’s career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to public service and charitable endeavors. She has been involved in a range of royal duties and events, performing engagements both in the UK and abroad. Over the years, she has become known for her dedication to her charitable work, which is central to her public role.
One of the most significant aspects of her career is her involvement in sports, specifically equestrianism. Princess Anne is an accomplished equestrian, having competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics as part of the British equestrian team. She won numerous titles throughout her career, including the European Eventing Championship in 1971, and was awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971 for her achievements in the sport.
In addition to her sporting achievements, Princess Anne has devoted much of her life to supporting charities. She serves as the patron of over 300 organizations, with a particular focus on causes related to children, the arts, and health. Notably, she has been President of Save the Children UK since 1970. Her work with this and many other organizations has helped raise awareness and funds for critical causes, cementing her legacy as a tireless advocate for charitable causes.
Throughout her career, Princess Anne has also been involved in royal tours and diplomatic duties, representing the monarchy on the international stage. Her work ethic and determination have earned her the admiration of the British public and beyond, and she continues to perform hundreds of engagements every year. Despite her high level of public service, she has largely avoided the media spotlight, allowing her to focus on the work she values most.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| The Royal Family | |
| The Royal Family | |
| The British Monarchy |
Note: Princess Anne does not maintain personal social media accounts; official updates are provided through the royal family’s channels.
Recent News
As of January 2025, Princess Anne, at the age of 74, has affirmed her commitment to her royal duties, stating that she has no plans to retire. In a recent interview during her visit to South Africa, she remarked, “I don’t think there’s a retirement program on this particular life.” Despite a concussion in June 2024, she continued her engagements, completing 217 official duties last year. Her dedication remains unwavering, inspired by the service of her late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Princess Anne possesses a slender and athletic build, a testament to her lifelong involvement in equestrian activities. She is often noted for her practical fashion sense, favoring tailored suits and hats, reflecting her no-nonsense approach to her royal duties.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Princess Anne’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth primarily stems from trust funds established by her parents, her share of her mother’s estate, and personal investments. Unlike some of her royal counterparts, Princess Anne does not receive funds from the Sovereign Grant, underscoring her financial independence within the royal framework.
Princess Anne’s life and work continue to exemplify dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to service, solidifying her legacy as a pivotal figure in the British monarchy.
FAQs
- What did Princess Anne say to Camilla?
Princess Anne reportedly told Camilla, the Queen Consort, that she would be “the one to help” her navigate the challenges of royal life when Camilla joined the royal family. They share a supportive relationship, especially in terms of their royal duties. - Who becomes Princess Royal after Anne?
Princess Royal is a title traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch. As of now, Princess Anne holds the title, and it would pass to her daughter, Zara Tindall, if Zara becomes the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch in the future. - What did Prince Philip call Princess Anne?
Prince Philip, Anne’s father, affectionately referred to her as “the Princess Royal,” but also called her “his little girl” in private moments. He was known for his blunt humor and strong, supportive relationship with his children. - Is Princess Anne married and to whom?
Yes, Princess Anne is married to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. They married in 1992, after her divorce from her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips
Discover more about inspiring individuals like Ibrahim Cissoko and their remarkable journeys. Learn about his background, achievements, and how he continues to make an impact in his field. Read more about Ibrahim Cissoko here.
Explore the fascinating life and art of Murillo, a renowned painter whose works have had a lasting influence on Baroque art. To dive deeper into his legacy, visit Murillo’s profile on Pennests.
