Candace Gregorio

Written by Candace Gregorio

Published: 19 Jan 2025

50-facts-about-princess-anne
Source: Eonline.com

Who is Princess Anne? Princess Anne, also known as the Princess Royal, is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Born on August 15, 1950, she has been a prominent figure in the British royal family for over seven decades. Known for her dedication to charitable work, Anne has been involved with over 300 organizations, including Save the Children UK, where she has served as President since 1970. An accomplished equestrian, she even competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Despite her royal status, Anne is renowned for her hard work, often being one of the busiest members of the royal family.

Key Takeaways:

  • Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is a dedicated equestrian with a passion for charitable work. Her legacy of resilience and compassion has inspired countless individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on the world.
  • From her remarkable equestrian achievements to her extensive charitable work, Princess Anne's commitment to child welfare and global impact has left a lasting legacy, showcasing the power of dedication and compassion.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has lived an extraordinary life filled with remarkable achievements and contributions. Let's delve into some fascinating facts about her early years and education.

  1. 01

    Birth and Early Life: Born on August 15, 1950, Princess Anne entered the world during her grandfather King George VI's reign. She was the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

  2. 02

    Family Line of Succession: At birth, she was third in line to the British throne. After her mother's accession, she rose to second and is currently 16th in line.

  3. 03

    Education: Princess Anne attended Benenden School in Kent, where she developed a passion for horsemanship and sports.

Equestrian Achievements

Princess Anne's love for horses has been a significant part of her life. Her accomplishments in equestrian sports are noteworthy.

  1. 04

    Equestrian Career: An accomplished equestrian, she won one gold medal and two silver medals at the European Eventing Championships in 1971 and 1975.

  2. 05

    Olympic Participation: In 1976, she became the first British royal to compete in the Olympic Games, participating in the three-day eventing team at the Montreal Olympics.

  3. 06

    Gold Medal at European Championships: Her exceptional riding skills earned her a gold medal at the European Eventing Championships in 1971.

  4. 07

    Silver Medals at European Championships: In 1975, she secured two silver medals at the European Eventing Championships, further solidifying her reputation.

Marriages and Family

Princess Anne's personal life has seen its share of milestones, including marriages and children.

  1. 08

    Marriage to Mark Phillips: She met her first husband, Mark Phillips, an army officer, in 1968. They married on November 14, 1973, at Westminster Abbey, with an estimated audience of 100 million watching.

  2. 09

    Children with Mark Phillips: The couple has two children: Peter Phillips, born November 15, 1977, and Zara Tindall (née Phillips), born May 15, 1981.

  3. 10

    Divorce from Mark Phillips: They announced their separation in August 1989 and divorced in April 1992. Their children did not receive titles due to Mark Phillips' decision not to accept an earldom.

  4. 11

    Marriage to Timothy Laurence: In December 1992, Princess Anne married Timothy Laurence, a naval officer and former aide to Queen Elizabeth II, at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.

Charitable Work and Patronages

Princess Anne is renowned for her extensive charitable work and patronages, making a significant impact on various causes.

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    Charitable Work: Known for her dedication, she has been President of Save the Children UK since 1970.

  2. 13

    Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: In 1990, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by President Kaunda of Zambia for her work with Save the Children.

  3. 14

    Patronage of Over 300 Organizations: She holds patronage in over 300 organizations, focusing on health, sports, disabilities, and science in developing countries.

  4. 15

    Official Duties: Princess Anne performs numerous official duties and engagements on behalf of the King and her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

  5. 16

    Creation of Charities: She has been involved in creating several charities, including The Princess Royal's Trust for Carers (now Carers Trust), Transaid, and Riders for Health.

Global Impact and Visits

Princess Anne's work has taken her around the world, where she has made a lasting impact.

  1. 17

    Visit to Save the Children Projects: She regularly visits Save the Children projects both overseas and in the UK, traveling to countries like Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  2. 18

    Patron's Fund for Save the Children: In October 2019, she launched the Patron’s Fund to raise flexible funds for children and families affected by crises.

  3. 19

    Centenary Dinner: In October 2019, she held a special Centenary Dinner at Buckingham Palace to launch the Patron’s Fund, making a personal appeal to attendees.

  4. 20

    Support for Caregivers: Through her work with Carers Trust, she supports millions in the UK responsible for caring for someone, providing essential support and resources.

  5. 21

    Transaid and Riders for Health: Involved with these organizations, she helps overcome transportation difficulties in developing countries, improving healthcare access and delivery.

  6. 22

    Regional Engagements: She carries out a wide range of official duties and visits in support of regional authorities and local institutions across the UK.

Notable Events and Recognitions

Princess Anne's life has been marked by notable events and recognitions, highlighting her resilience and dedication.

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    Kidnapping Attempt: In March 1974, she was nearly kidnapped when a mentally disturbed gunman attacked her car, wounding her bodyguard and chauffeur.

  2. 24

    Security Measures: Following the attempted kidnapping, her security measures were significantly enhanced to ensure her safety during public engagements.

  3. 25

    First Royal Divorcée to Remarry: She became the first royal divorcée to remarry since Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

  4. 26

    Net Worth: According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has an estimated net worth of £21.7 million ($30 million).

Dedication to Child Welfare

Princess Anne's commitment to child welfare has been a cornerstone of her charitable work.

  1. 27

    Long-standing Commitment to Child Welfare: Over the last 50 years, her work with Save the Children has given her great insight into the needs of children worldwide.

  2. 28

    Visit to Sri Lanka: In 2023, she visited Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the 75th Anniversary of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UK. She unveiled a plaque commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Save the Children working in Sri Lanka.

  3. 29

    Ceremonial Oil Lamp Tradition: During her visit to Sri Lanka, she participated in the tradition of lighting a ceremonial oil lamp symbolizing hope and prosperity.

  4. 30

    Support for Children Affected by Crises: Actively involved in supporting children affected by crises such as natural disasters and pandemics, her work with Save the Children has been instrumental in providing urgent aid.

  5. 31

    Fundraising Efforts: She regularly meets fundraisers and volunteers, visiting Save the Children shops around the UK, and attending special events to raise awareness and funds.

  6. 32

    Special Events Attendance: She attends and speaks at numerous special events organized by Save the Children, including fundraising dinners and charity galas.

Broader Philanthropic Work

Beyond her work with Save the Children, Princess Anne's philanthropic efforts extend to various causes.

  1. 33

    Philanthropic Work: Her philanthropic work extends beyond Save the Children, involving numerous other charities and organizations focusing on health, education, and community development.

  2. 34

    Community Development Initiatives: Through her patronage of various organizations, she supports community development initiatives aimed at improving lives in developing countries.

  3. 35

    Healthcare Access Improvement: Committed to improving healthcare access in developing countries, her work with organizations like Transaid and Riders for Health has helped overcome transportation difficulties.

  4. 36

    Education Initiatives: She supports education initiatives ensuring every child has access to quality education, improving educational outcomes worldwide.

  5. 37

    Disability Support: Involved in supporting people with disabilities, her patronage of organizations provides essential services and resources, promoting inclusivity and equality.

  6. 38

    Sporting Initiatives Promotion: She promotes various sporting initiatives, encouraging physical activity and equestrian sports, inspiring many young athletes.

Legacy and Impact

Princess Anne's legacy is defined by her dedication to charitable work and her lasting impact on various causes.

  1. 39

    Busy Working Schedule: She has one of the busiest working schedules of any royal family member, undertaking numerous engagements and visits throughout the year.

  2. 40

    Support for Local Institutions: Regularly visiting local institutions and regional authorities, she supports their initiatives and promotes community development.

  3. 41

    Health and Science Focus: Through her patronage, she focuses on health and science initiatives in developing countries, improving healthcare access and promoting scientific research.

  4. 42

    People with Disabilities Support: She supports people with disabilities through her patronage of organizations providing essential services and resources.

  5. 43

    Sporting Initiatives: Supporting various sporting initiatives, she promotes equestrian sports and other forms of physical activity, inspiring young athletes.

  6. 44

    Visit to Save the Children Main Office: In addition to visiting projects, she has visited the organization’s main office, unveiling plaques commemorating significant milestones.

  7. 45

    Lighting Ceremonial Oil Lamp: During visits to various countries, she often participates in lighting a ceremonial oil lamp symbolizing hope and prosperity.

  8. 46

    Long-standing Commitment to Child Welfare: Her work with Save the Children over the last five decades has given her great insight into the needs of children worldwide.

  9. 47

    Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize: In 1990, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by President Kaunda of Zambia for her outstanding work with Save the Children.

  10. 48

    Support for Children Affected by Crises: Actively involved in supporting children affected by crises, her work with Save the Children has been instrumental in providing urgent aid.

  11. 49

    Fundraising Efforts: Regularly meeting fundraisers and volunteers, she visits Save the Children shops around the UK, attending special events to raise awareness and funds.

  12. 50

    Legacy and Impact: Her legacy extends far beyond royal duties. Her dedication to charitable work has inspired countless individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on the world.

Princess Anne's Lasting Legacy

Princess Anne has carved out a remarkable legacy through her tireless dedication to charity, sports, and royal duties. Born on August 15, 1950, she quickly became a prominent figure in British royal life. Her achievements in equestrian sports, including competing in the 1976 Olympics, showcase her versatility. Beyond sports, her extensive charitable work, especially with Save the Children, has earned her global recognition and even a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Her commitment to over 300 organizations highlights her passion for making a difference. From supporting caregivers to improving healthcare access in developing countries, Princess Anne's efforts have touched countless lives. Her busy schedule and hands-on approach make her one of the hardest-working royals. Princess Anne's legacy is not just in her titles or medals but in the lasting impact she has made on communities worldwide. Her story continues to inspire and uplift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about Princess Anne?
Princess Anne isn't just any royal; she's known for her strong work ethic and dedication to public service. Unlike others who might seek the spotlight, Anne has consistently focused on her duties, supporting numerous charities and organizations. Her no-nonsense approach to royal duties makes her stand out in the royal family.
How many charities does Princess Anne support?
This royal dynamo is a patron of over 300 organizations. Her support spans a wide range of causes, from helping children and the elderly to advancing scientific research and sports. Anne's commitment to these causes showcases her deep sense of responsibility and compassion.
Has Princess Anne competed in the Olympics?
Yes, she has! In 1976, Anne made headlines as the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games. Riding her horse, Goodwill, she participated in the equestrian three-day event in Montreal. Her sporting spirit is just one facet of her multifaceted personality.
What military titles does Princess Anne hold?
Known for breaking the mold, Anne holds several honorary military appointments. These include Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Corps of Signals, and many others. Her roles reflect her deep respect and support for the armed forces.
Is Princess Anne involved in any international organizations?
Indeed, she is. Anne's influence extends beyond the UK through her work with Save the Children, of which she has been president since 1970. Her efforts have significantly impacted the lives of children around the world, earning her international respect and admiration.
What makes Princess Anne's fashion sense unique?
Anne's fashion is as practical as it is stylish, often recycling outfits years apart. Her approach to fashion, favoring functionality and sustainability over fleeting trends, has won her praise. This practicality, combined with a touch of royal elegance, defines her unique style.
Can you tell me about Princess Anne's family?
Anne is the second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. She has three siblings: Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Anne herself is a mother to two, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, and a grandmother, showcasing a close-knit family bond amidst royal duties.

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