A historic day that she would not have missed for anything in the world. On Saturday 6 May, Princess Anne watched the coronation of Charles III in Westminster Abbey with pride and attention. Despite her role within the royal family, Timothy Laurence’s wife was careful not to overshadow her elder brother.
It was a day that will remain forever engraved in her memory. On Saturday 6 May, Princess Anne was in the front row to attend the coronation of her elder brother Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London. Arriving alongside her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, the 72-year-old princess couldn’t hide her joy at the idea of being present at this historic day. However, there was no question of the mother of Zara Tindall and Peter Philipps stealing the show from the 73-year-old monarch. Although she was omnipresent at the funeral of her mother Elizabeth II last September, Princess Anne played the discretion card.
Very elegant in her Blues and Royals uniform with the dark green Thistle coat, Princess Anne followed every moment of the religious ceremony with attention and pride. To complete her military ensemble, she wore an imposing black felt bicorn hat with a red feather. An accessory that no doubt spoiled Prince Harry’s view. And for good reason, his aunt was seated in front of him during the ceremony. Appointed Rear Admiral in 1993, promoted to Vice Admiral in 2009 and then consecrated Admiral in 2012, Mark Phillips’ ex-wife is one of the few women in the Firm to be able to wear this type of costume. A role that she once again fulfilled with brilliance and restraint during this coronation.
Princess Anne followed every moment of the religious ceremony with attention and pride. To complete her military ensemble, she wore an imposing black felt bicorn hat with a red feather. An accessory that no doubt spoiled Prince Harry’s view. And for good reason, his aunt was seated in front of him during the ceremony. Appointed Rear Admiral in 1993, promoted to Vice Admiral in 2009 and then consecrated Admiral in 2012, Mark Phillips’ ex-wife is one of the few women in the Firm to be able to wear this type of costume. A role that she once again fulfilled with brilliance and restraint during this coronation.
Princess Anne: this coronation assignment from her brother Charles
Princess Anne could not have hoped for a better thank you gift from her older brother. While Prince George was named Page of Honour, the monarch’s little sister also played an important role in the coronation of Charles III on Saturday 6 May. As revealed by the Mirror on 26 April, Camilla Parker Bowles’ husband gave her a place of honour in the procession. “The princess royal will be in the procession as a prestigious Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, a position historically given to a person in charge of the sovereign’s personal security,” the British tabloid reported.
Timothy Laurence’s wife therefore acted as a “personal aide-de-camp”. She led 6,000 members of the armed forces through the streets of London during the procession. “Charles III rewards the Princess Royal for her loyalty and unwavering devotion to duty above all else.” An honour that speaks volumes about the trust between Charles III and Princess Anne.
Photo credits: Agency / Bestimage