Anne Princess Royal – Biography, Age, Children and Key Facts

Anne, Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the sole sister of King Charles III. Known for her tireless work ethic and no-nonsense demeanor, she has become one of the most respected and busiest members of the British royal family. This article covers her full name, age, family, career, and cultural portrayals based on verified sources.

What Is Princess Anne’s Full Name and How Old Is She?

Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born on 15 August 1950 at Clarence House, London. As of 2026, she is 75 years old. She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the sister of King Charles III.

Key Insights

• Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
• She holds the title Princess Royal, a lifelong designation traditionally given to the monarch’s eldest daughter.
• She is known for her strong work ethic, completing over 200 official engagements per year.
• She competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics as a horse rider, the first British royal to do so.
• In 1974, she survived a kidnapping attempt by Ian Ball, who tried to ransom her for £3 million.
• She has two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, both of whom hold no royal titles.
• Anne is a patron of over 300 organizations, focusing on sports, education, and health.
• She was portrayed by actress Erin Doherty in the later seasons of The Crown.

Who Are Princess Anne’s Children?

Princess Anne has two children from her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips. Both were born without royal titles after Mark Phillips declined them.

Peter Phillips

Peter Phillips was born on 15 November 1977. He is currently 48 years old and is the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II. He has no official royal title and works in business.

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) was born on 15 May 1981. She is an accomplished equestrian who won Olympic silver in 2012. Like her brother, she holds no royal title.

Marriages

Anne married Captain Mark Phillips on 14 November 1973 at Westminster Abbey. They divorced in April 1992. Later that year, she married Commander (now Rear Admiral) Timothy Laurence. The couple remains married.

Who Are Princess Anne’s Grandparents?

Princess Anne’s maternal grandparents were King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). On her father’s side, she is the granddaughter of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. Her family tree places her directly in the line of the British monarchy.

She was born third in line to the throne but currently ranks 18th in succession as of 2026.

What Was Princess Anne Like When She Was Young?

Princess Anne was educated at Benenden School in Kent. She developed a passion for horses early on and became an accomplished rider. In 1971, she was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She became the first British royal to compete in the Olympics at the 1976 Montreal Games, riding her horse Goodwill.

In 1974, she survived a kidnapping attempt by Ian Ball, who demanded a ransom. The incident highlighted her courage and composure under pressure.

How Is Princess Anne Depicted in The Crown?

Princess Anne is portrayed by actress Erin Doherty in the later seasons of The Crown. The show highlights her independence, her riding career, and her no-nonsense attitude. While some scenes are dramatized, the portrayal aligns with her public image as a determined and private individual.

What Are the Key Milestones in Princess Anne’s Life?

1. 1950 – Born on 15 August at Clarence House, London.
2. 1971 – Awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
3. 1973 – Married Captain Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey.
4. 1974 – Survived kidnapping attempt; son Peter Phillips born.
5. 1976 – Competed in the Montreal Olympics in the three-day equestrian event.
6. 1981 – Daughter Zara Phillips born.
7. 1987 – Granted the title Princess Royal by Queen Elizabeth II.
8. 1992 – Divorced Mark Phillips; married Sir Timothy Laurence.
9. 2002 – Became the first senior royal convicted of a criminal offense (driving offense).
10. 2020 – Promoted to General in the British Army and Air Chief Marshal in the RAF.
11. 2022 – Participated in the funeral and mourning of Queen Elizabeth II.
12. 2026 – Continues to be the hardest working royal with over 200 engagements annually.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Princess Anne?

What Role Does Princess Anne Play in the Modern Monarchy?

Princess Anne occupies a unique position. As the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, she has carved out a reputation for diligence and no-nonsense public service. Unlike her siblings, she rarely grants interviews and maintains a relatively private personal life. Her work ethic has earned her the unofficial title “hardest working royal”, a contrast to the more media-focused lives of other royals. Her portrayal in The Crown introduced her to a new generation, highlighting her independence and resilience. Anne’s decision not to give her children royal titles reflected her desire for them to lead normal lives. As Princess Royal, a title traditionally held for life, she cements her seniority in the monarchy. Under King Charles III, she remains a stabilizing figure, representing continuity and duty.

Who Are the Reliable Sources for Princess Anne’s Biography?

Authoritative information comes from official and well-established sources.

“The Princess Royal is the second child and only daughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

— Royal Society profile

“She is quite often referred to as ‘the hardest working royal’. She certainly undertakes the most official duties in a year, completing 217 in 2024.”

— Saga Magazine (August 2025)

“Anne, Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the sister of King Charles III.”

— Wikipedia

Key external resources include the Official Royal Family Website, Wikipedia, Royal Society, BBC, Saga Magazine, and Olympic Official Profile.

What Is the Summary of Princess Anne’s Life and Work?

Princess Anne has dedicated her life to public service. As the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, she is a senior working royal, patron of over 300 charities, and a former Olympic athlete. Her no-nonsense attitude and reliability have earned her widespread respect. She continues to support King Charles III and remains one of the hardest-working members of the English Royal Family. For more on her mother’s legacy, see Elizabeth II.

Frequently Asked Questions