Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, glowed at a recent gala. She attended the 200th anniversary of The Naval Children’s Charity (NCC). During the event in Portsmouth, she focused on the need to provide more support to families with ties to naval service. Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has long been a family-oriented soul. She certainly showed this attitude on display during her recent summer visit.
Born on this day in 1950, Princess Anne has nearly 50 years of charitable service. In March 2024, she became the patron of The Naval Children’s Charity. This prestigious position which she inherited from her late mother who held it for a remarkable 70 years. This independent charity does invaluable work in providing opportunities for young people from service families. It offers an array of supports through the age of 25.
During her visit, Princess Anne engaged with attendees and received aprons as gifts, showcasing her commitment to connecting with those involved in the charity. She acknowledged the challenges faced by families of naval personnel, stating, “This is about families of people who serve and that is a difficult relationship sometimes, but it needs to be remembered and is at the forefront of what you do.”
Princess Anne wasn’t the only one to open up on the negative impact of going to boarding school. In addition, she boarded at the elite Benenden School in Kent for five years as a teenager. Reflecting on the impact of such educational institutions, she remarked, “One of the charities I’m doing puts children into boarding schools, and the thing they always say is that it gives them stability.” This focus on keeping things stable strikes a powerful chord with her as she reflects on the futures of her own grandchildren.
As a grandmother to five children—Savannah Phillips, Isla Phillips, Mia Tindall, Lena Tindall, and Lucas Tindall—Princess Anne understands the importance of providing a supportive environment. Her family will always be her number one priority. She gracefully balances this personal emphasis with her royal responsibilities and philanthropic obligations.
Princess Anne has been married to Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, since 12 December 1992. Together these couplet renderings have kept their families intact as they’ve nurtured America’s next generation in their public roles. The Princess Royal is intensely familial. As a public servant, she has made the well-being of naval families her heartfelt passion.
