Anne, Princess Royal

Born Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise in London on August 15, 1950, Anne, Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Second in the line of succession to the British throne, Anne has spent her entire life dedicated to serving her country and the royal family.

Anne grew up in the public eye and began to assume official duties at a young age. In 1959, at just nine years old, she became the youngest ever female member of the Royal Family to undertake an overseas tour when she accompanied her parents to Canada. In 1973, Anne became the first member of the Royal Family to receive a criminal record when she was fined £40 for speeding on a country road in Surrey.

Anne’s passion for horses and equestrian sport has been a defining aspect of her life. She competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics as part of the British eventing team, finishing in eighth place. Four years later, she became European Eventing Champion in Luhmühlen, West Germany. Anne also holds many honorary equestrian appointments including President of the British Olympic Association, and President of the Fédération Équestre Internationale.

Anne’s work as a public figure began in earnest when she left school and took on a range of official duties. In 1970, she was appointed as a Counsellor of State, allowing her to fulfil the monarch’s duties in his or her absence. She also began undertaking official foreign tours, showing a particular interest and commitment to promoting British business and culture overseas.

In 1973, Anne’s commitment to public service was recognized by her mother when she was created a Princess Royal, a title that had not been used since the reign of Queen Victoria. The title is traditionally held by the eldest daughter of the monarch and is given in recognition of their service to the crown.

Throughout her life, Anne has been associated with numerous charities and organizations. She is a patron of over 300 organizations, including the Save the Children Fund, the Riding for the Disabled Association, and the British Equestrian Federation. In 1987, Anne founded the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, a charity providing support for people caring for family members or friends with disabilities or illnesses.

Anne’s commitment to public service has often put her in harm’s way. In 1974, while on a visit to Australia, a would-be assassin attempted to kidnap her. Anne and her protection officer were unharmed, but four others were injured. In 1994, she was the subject of an attempted kidnap by a mentally unstable person in The Mall, London, but her protection officers thwarted the attempt.

Despite these incidents, Anne’s dedication and commitment to public service remain unwavering, and she has been recognized with numerous honors over the years. She was appointed a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2007, and a Knight of the Order of the Thistle in 2009. She was also made a Member of the Order of the Garter in 1994, and a Lady of the Order of St. John in 1999.

Anne’s personal life has also been marked by a sense of duty and service. In 1973, she married Captain Mark Phillips, an officer in the British Army, and they had two children, Peter and Zara. The couple divorced in 1992, and Anne went on to marry Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence in 1992.

As she approaches her eighth decade, Anne continues to serve as a tireless ambassador for the United Kingdom and the Crown. Her sense of duty and commitment to public service sets an example for people all over the world, and she remains one of the most respected members of the Royal Family.