In honor of Princess Anne’s birthday next week, here’s a look at some of the important moments so far in the life of this historic figure. Like her siblings, the Princess Royal is committed to public service, but enjoys very tight family bonds. She has close relationships with her children and other members of her extended family, including son-in-law Mike Tindall and former daughter-in-law Autumn Phillips.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, is in the news for his engagement to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. Prince William and Kate Middleton first gained international attention in June, when they attended the Royal Ascot horse races and rode in the royal procession. This event saw Princess Anne warmly welcome Sperling to the royal family, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.
From that initial trip, their relationship has blossomed. Sperling has been with the King and royal family at many high-profile events since. In April she was in the cheering section for Zara Tindall at Cirencester Park horse trials. In a rare public appearance, Princess Anne accompanied her, indicating support for both her daughter and granddaughter.
Princess Anne of the British Royal Family has a beautiful mischievous, fun-loving spirit. You can observe it most acutely in her sparkling exchanges with her close relatives, particularly Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall. The royal family have made Tindall feel really welcome. He’s often spoken about the warmth he feels from them as a family.
“I can only say how kind they’ve been to me, and how welcoming they’ve been to me since joining the family. And how they’ve made my family welcome.” – Mike Tindall
The great beauty of the Princess Royal is that she cultivated real relationships with her family and her family’s community. She is the longest-serving benefactor of the Scottish Rugby Union at 37 years. This example highlights her deep passion for sports and youth development. Tindall emphasized this commitment in his 2023 podcast appearance.
“It was more important to showcase why they like sport, why Princess Anne has been a patron of [the Scottish Rugby Union] for 37 years and why she loves the characters in the game.” – Mike Tindall
Despite their busy schedules, Princess Anne and Autumn Phillips have maintained a close relationship, with Phillips residing near her daughters in Gloucestershire. Their lasting camaraderie is a true testament to the familial connections Princess Anne values most.
The Princess Royal has a strong relationship with grandchildren Savannah and Isla Phillips. They certainly take an active interest in equestrian endeavors, as seen in their recent appearances to the Gatcombe Horse Trials. At these events, the family comes together to celebrate their collective love for horses.
As Princess Anne looks forward to this historic birthday, her legacy is already beginning to shine, defined by her tireless public service. Beyond that, it showcases the bonds of family and the athletic pursuits that unite them all.
