Princess Royal

 

     I spent part of last week watching all the pageantry surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I've always enjoyed watching the pageantry of the British monarchy. 

   There was one member of the Royal Family that really caught my eye, Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise otherwise known as The Princess Royal. She is the second child and only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

   When her mother's coffin was brought into St. Giles Church to lay at rest so that those in Scotland could pay their respects, Anne along with her brothers stood vigil over their mother's coffin. It was the first time that a woman had stood vigil. She also walked next to her brother, King Charles III, in any procession where family members walked behind the coffin. This was also a first. She did these things wearing a military uniform as she holds several military titles mostly naval.

   I've always liked Princess Anne. She is the sort of woman I can identify with. She dresses in clothes that seem to be comfortable and timeless. (I also like that she doesn't seem to wear super high heeled shoes.) She works hard and doesn't seem to need to be in the spotlight all the time. According to her page on Wikipedia she had a reputation for being aloof and rude when she was younger. She probably mellowed with age although she's still been known to speak her mind when she chooses.

   She spent part of her life competing in equestrian events and even competed in the Olympics in 1976. She does lots of work on behalf of a long list of charities.

   Princess Anne was the target of a kidnapping in 1974. When the kidnapper told her to get out of the car, her response was, "Not bloody likely". Four men were shot in the attempt (all survived). This incident prompted several changes in how the royal family is protected when they go about their duties.

   Princess Anne has been married twice. Her first husband was Mark Phillips whom she married in 1973. They divorced in 1992. Her current husband is Timothy Laurence. They married in 1992 in Scotland as the church in Scotland allowed divorced people to remarry.

  I have a lot of respect of Sir Timothy as well. He had a long and successful naval career, and now pursues other activities and interests in addition to supporting his wife in her duties. During the recent ceremonies he was seen during the vigils his wife participated in looking on with other members of the royal family.

  It will be interesting to see how things go now that Charles is king. I'm sure Princess Anne will continue to work and support her brother as she always supported her  mother.