When the British royal family makes the headlines, it’s usually one of a select few people: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, their children (Charlotte, George, Louis, or Archie), or perhaps Her Royal Highness, the Queen herself.
One family member who doesn’t quite get her fair share of the spotlight is Princess Anne, daughter to Queen Elizabeth II, despite the fact that she’s one of the most active members of the royal family. Even lesser-known are Princess Anne’s children (William and Harry’s cousins) and grandchildren. So if you’ve ever been curious about this side of royalty, read on!
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Who Is Princess Anne?
Princess Anne (full name Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning British monarch. She is also known as Anne, Princess Royal and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Princess Anne is also the current Admiral and Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy.
As a member of the royal family, Princess Anne is expected to attend official engagements. In 2017, Anne was ‘crowned’ the hardest-working royal of the year with 455 official appearances at English events and 85 overseas – more than Will and Harry combined, and more than the Queen herself.
Anne is an active philanthropist as well – it’s estimated that she’s a part of more than 200 charities in some capacity. This includes Save the Children (where Princess Anne is the president), The Princess Royal Trust for Carers (which she founded), and The WISE Campaign (of which she is a Royal Patron).
Outside of her royal life, Princess Anne is also a talented equestrian. She won a title at the European Eventing Championship at the young age of 21. Anne was also acknowledged by BBC voters as the 1971 ‘Sports Personality of the Year’. She was even part of the British team for the Olympic games in 1976.
How Old Is Princess Anne?
Princess Anne was born on August 15, 1950. She is 69 years old, and a Leo in the western zodiac.
What Was Princess Anne’s Upbringing Like?
Like most other royals, Princess Anne had a privileged upbringing. She received her early education at the palace through a governess. In 1959, a Girl Guides company was formed again to allow Anne to meet and play with other girls. At thirteen years old, Anne enrolled in an independent boarding school in Kent called the Benenden School.
Where Does Princess Anne Live?
Princess Anne lives in Gatcombe Park in the Gloucestershire county. Her brother, Prince Charles of Wales (and father to Prince William and Prince Harry) has a country home about six miles away in Doughton. She also spends some time at St James’ Palace in Westminster.
Who Did Princess Anne Marry?
Princess Anne married her first husband, Mark Phillips, in a televised wedding ceremony in 1973. Phillips declined the courtesy title of ‘earl’. Since children’s titles are inherited from their father, this means that Mark and Princess Anne’s kids (and their grandchildren, by extension) were born without royal titles.
The marriage lasted 19 years. Princess Anne and Mark Phillips divorced in 1992, after almost three years of separation. The couple has two children together, Peter and Zara. Phillips also has a daughter named Felicity from an extramarital affair and another daughter named Stephanie from his second marriage.
Is Princess Royal Anne Still Married?
Around the time that her separation was announced, Princess Anne met Timothy Laurence, an officer of the British Royal Navy. The two tied the knot in December 1992, just half a year after Anne’s divorce was finalised. They are still married today, but they do not have any children together.
Unlike her grand first wedding, Anne and Timothy wed in a private ceremony with just 30 attendees. At the time, the Church of England did not allow divorcees with living ex-spouses to get married, so they had to hold the ceremony at a church in Scotland.
Who Are Princess Anne’s Children?
Peter Phillips
Full name: Peter Mark Andrew Phillips
Date of birth: November 15, 1977 (41 years old)
Zara Phillips
Full name: Zara Anne Elizabeth Tindall
Date of birth: May 15, 1981 (38 years old)
Princess Anne’s Grandchildren
Savannah Phillips
Full name: Savannah Anne Kathleen Phillips
Date of birth: December 29, 2010 (9 years old)
Parents: Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly
Isla Phillips
Full name: Isla Elizabeth Phillips
Date of birth: March 29, 2012 (7 years old)
Parents: Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly
Mia Tindall
Full name: Mia Grace Tindall
Date of birth: January 17, 2014 (5 years old)
Parents: Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall
Lena Tindall
Full name: Lena Elizabeth Tindall
Date of birth: June 18, 2018 (1 year old)
Parents: Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall
Princess Anne: The Lesser-Known Royal
Princess Anne may not have the most media coverage, but she’s an invaluable member of the royal family. Her children, although they weren’t born with titles, grew up to be outstanding citizens – and we’re sure her grandchildren will too.
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