Buckingham Palace Releases Early Birthday Honour for Princess Anne

In a gesture both regal and deeply personal, Buckingham Palace has marked the upcoming 75th birthday of Princess Anne with the release of a striking new portrait — a rare early tribute to one of the monarchy’s most steadfast figures. The photograph, taken by renowned royal photographer Chris Jack at Windsor Castle, was unveiled a full week before the Princess Royal’s actual birthday on August 15, underscoring the high esteem in which she is held within the royal household.

The image captures Princess Anne alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, with whom she has shared more than three decades of marriage. Taken last month shortly before the glittering French State Banquet, the portrait radiates both formality and quiet warmth — a perfect reflection of Anne’s dual nature as both an impeccably dutiful royal and a down-to-earth, no-nonsense individual.

Dressed in an ensemble befitting a senior royal occasion, the King’s only sister wears a remarkable collection of honours. Prominently displayed are the King’s Family Order, the Royal Family Order of her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the Garter Star and Garter Sash, and the Thistle Star. Her look is crowned by the dazzling Festoon Tiara, a piece with personal significance. Gifted to her in 1973 by the Worldwide Shipping Group after she christened one of their ships, it marked a milestone year for Anne — the year she turned 23 and was already one of the hardest-working royals in Britain.

The photograph is not just a nod to her senior position in the family but a celebration of a life defined by relentless service. Known for her tireless schedule, Princess Anne routinely tops the annual list of the most active working royals, often undertaking more than 400 engagements each year. Her patronages span a wide range of causes, from equestrian sport to maritime heritage, youth organisations, and medical charities. She has been an advocate for Save the Children since the early 1970s and is widely credited with bringing a uniquely hands-on approach to royal charity work — famously preferring private visits and minimal fuss over ceremonial glamour.

In private, those close to the Princess Royal describe her as briskly efficient, possessed of a sharp wit, and entirely uninterested in the trappings of celebrity that often come with royal life. Her understated style — practical coats, simple hats, and, when the occasion calls for it, a modest flash of royal jewels — has become as much her signature as her forthright manner.

True to character, Princess Anne is said to have declined any lavish public celebration for her milestone birthday, instead opting to keep her focus firmly on her duties. Palace sources indicate she will spend the day hosting members of her charity patronages at Buckingham Palace for a special engagement, turning what might have been a purely personal celebration into an occasion to highlight causes close to her heart.

The early release of her birthday portrait feels particularly symbolic. In an era where the Royal Family is navigating both generational change and public scrutiny, Princess Anne remains a steady anchor — a figure whose loyalty, work ethic, and resilience have earned her respect not only from the public but from her fellow royals. As she approaches her 75th year, the Palace’s quiet yet dignified tribute is a reminder that, while she may avoid the limelight, her light within the monarchy has never dimmed.

As Princess Anne’s milestone 75th birthday approaches, we dedicate this feature to celebrating the life and legacy of the Princess Royal — a woman whose steadfast service, quick wit, and unshakable sense of duty have made her one of the most respected figures in the monarchy. In her honour, here are five fascinating facts you might not know about her:

1. She’s the Only Royal Olympian
Princess Anne represented Great Britain in equestrian eventing at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. She rode the Queen’s horse, Goodwill, and remains the only member of the British Royal Family to have competed in the Olympics.

2. She Turns Down Titles — Even for Her Children
In a break from royal tradition, Anne chose not to give her children, Peter and Zara, any royal titles at birth. She felt they should “earn their own way” and live without the constraints of royal protocol — a decision that both have publicly thanked her for.

3. A Relentless Work Ethic
Year after year, she completes more official engagements than almost anyone else in the Royal Family. In 2023 alone, she carried out over 450 events — a pace she has maintained for decades without complaint.

4. Master of the Quick Comeback
Known for her sharp wit, Anne is legendary for her ability to respond to reporters’ questions with humor — and occasionally, a dry, pointed remark. One of her most famous quips came when a journalist asked her if she would like to visit Moscow: “I wouldn’t go even if they paid me.”

5. A True Countrywoman
When not performing royal duties, Anne prefers life away from the spotlight at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. There, she rides horses daily, cares for livestock, and enjoys the quiet, practical routines of country living — a lifestyle she has loved since childhood.