Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on 15 August 1950. As the eldest daughter of the then-Princess Elizabeth, her birth occurred before her mother’s accession, meaning she was not born in direct line of succession to the throne at birth. However, by 1952 she became the eldest child of the reigning monarch. This evergreen profile presents verified details about her birth, titles, public roles, and key milestones, focusing on enduring facts rather than time-sensitive news.
Birth and Early Life
Princess Anne’s birth is recorded as 15 August 1950 at Clarence House, London. She is the first child of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip. Her birth preceded her mother's accession in 1952, so she was not born a Princess of the United Kingdom by birthright under the style Her Royal Highness initially. Upon her mother’s accession, Anne was granted the title of Princess Royal in 1953 and elevated in the peerage, formalizing her status within the royal family structure.
Official Titles and Styles
Her official style is Princess Royal, a title she has held since 1953. Unlike hereditary peerages, the title of Princess Royal is bestowed by the monarch and is traditionally held by the eldest daughter of the sovereign. She is also styled The Lady Anne Phillips following her marriage in 1973, though she remains widely known by her royal title. Key title and status milestones are summarized in the table below.
Title and Status Overview
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise | Official records |
| Date of Birth | 15 August 1950 | Public registry |
| Place of Birth | Clarence House, London, United Kingdom | Official biographies |
| Title | Princess Royal (granted 1953) | Monarchical decree |
| Order of Succession | Initially 2nd in line, later 1st in line from 1952 | Royal succession records |
| Marital Status | Married Sir Timothy Laurence (1973) | Official announcements |
| Children | Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall | Official biographies |
Key Biographic Milestones
Beyond her birth, Anne’s career emphasizes public service and equestrian achievement. She became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games, participating in equestrian eventing in 1976 Montreal. Her role as Princess Royal involves extensive engagements, supporting charities and organizations across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. The timeline below highlights enduring, non-time-sensitive milestones.
Notable Milestones
- 1950: Born 15 August at Clarence House, London.
- 1953: Granted the title Princess Royal.
- 1973: Married Captain (later Vice Admiral) Sir Timothy Laurence.
- 1976: Competed in the Olympic Games in Montreal in eventing.
- 1986: Appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Drouse Guards).
- 1992: Appointed Chancellor of the University of London.
- 2007: Awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to charity and public duty.
- Ongoing: Carries out hundreds of official engagements annually as Princess Royal.
Public Role and Charities
As Princess Royal, Anne undertakes a rigorous schedule of engagements, focusing on areas such as education, health, defense, and the arts. Her charity portfolio includes organizations like Save the Children, Riding for the Disabled Association, and the Henry van Strauzenburg Memorial Fund. This stable, long-term commitment distinguishes her role from more media-centric royal engagements and underscores the continuity of service expected from the King’s daughter. Her work reinforces the monarchy’s connection to civic and cultural institutions across the UK and Commonwealth.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Princess Anne the King’s daughter?
Yes, Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She holds the title Princess Royal, formally conferred in 1953.
When was she born?
15 August 1950. She was born before her mother became queen, yet became the eldest child of the reigning monarch in 1952.
Does she perform official duties?
Yes. As Princess Royal, she conducts a high volume of official engagements, visits, and charitable work year-round, representing the Crown in numerous capacities.
Has she competed in the Olympics?
Yes. She participated in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in eventing, making her the first member of the British royal family to compete at the Olympic Games.