Born: 1950 (London, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Anne, Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) was born on August 15, 1950, and is a well-respected member of the British royal family. She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Anne is also the only sister of King Charles III.
Born as the third in line to the British throne, Anne now occupies the 17th position due to the birth of her nephews and niece. In 1987, she was bestowed the title of Princess Royal, a prestigious and honorary title given to the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch.
Anne’s early years were spent at Clarence House, where she received her education at Benenden School. As she reached adulthood, she began undertaking royal duties and carving her own path within the royal family.
One of Anne’s notable accomplishments is her prowess in equestrian sports. She became a respected equestrian, establishing herself as a talented rider. In 1971, she won a gold medal at the European Eventing Championships, followed by two silver medals in 1975. Her talent and dedication took her to the 1976 Olympic Games, making her the first member of the British royal family to ever compete in the Olympics.
In 1988, Anne’s contribution to sports led to her becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further solidifying her commitment to promoting and supporting sports worldwide.
Aside from her sporting achievements, Anne is also actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors. She serves as patron or president of over 300 organizations, showing her dedication to a wide range of causes. Her work mainly focuses on sports, sciences, people with disabilities, and health in developing countries. For over fifty years, she has been associated with Save the Children and has made several visits to witness the impact of their projects.
Anne’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She married Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, with whom she had two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall. However, their marriage encountered difficulties, leading to separation in 1989 and divorce in 1992.
Shortly after her divorce, Anne found happiness again with Commander (later Vice Admiral) Sir Timothy Laurence. They tied the knot in 1992, just months after her divorce, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her personal life. The couple had previously met during Timothy’s service as her mother’s equerry between 1986 and 1989.
Through her dedication to her royal duties and charitable work, Princess Anne continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on society. Her contributions extend beyond the realm of royalty and have positioned her as a respected figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, European Eventing Championships, 1971
– Silver Medal (x2), European Eventing Championships, 1975