Princess Anne has spent more than five decades in the royal spotlight, yet many of the most Googled questions about her circle around the same few topics: her health, her relationships, and royal protocol. Born on 15 August 1950, she is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and holds the title Princess Royal since 1987.
Born: 15 August 1950, London · Title: Princess Royal (since 1987) · Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip · Children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall · Line of Succession: 18th (as of 2025) · Notable Role: Patron of over 300 organizations
Quick snapshot
- Princess Anne was born at Clarence House, London, on 15 August 1950 (The Royal Family).
- She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (History Extra).
- She was granted the title Princess Royal in June 1987 (The Royal Family).
- 1976: First British royal to compete in the Olympics (The Royal Family).
- June 2024: Hospitalized after incident at Gatcombe Park (BBC News).
- Continues public engagements as a working royal (ABC News).
- Remains patron of over 300 charities (EBSCO Research Starters).
Eight key facts paint a clear picture of her biography and public role.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise |
| Born | 15 August 1950, Clarence House, London |
| Title | Princess Royal (since 13 June 1987) |
| Spouse | Sir Timothy Laurence (m. 1992) |
| Children | Peter Phillips (b. 1977), Zara Tindall (b. 1981) |
| Line to Throne | 18th (as of 2025) |
| Education | Benenden School |
| Olympic Participation | Represented Great Britain in equestrian (1976) |
What has Princess Anne been diagnosed with?
Princess Anne’s known health issues
Princess Anne has not publicly disclosed any specific diagnosis. In June 2024, she was hospitalized after an incident at Gatcombe Park, sustaining minor injuries and concussion, according to BBC News. Buckingham Palace stated she was expected to make a full and swift recovery (ABC News).
Public statements and official records
No reputable source confirms any ongoing diagnosis. The Palace has not commented on chronic conditions. Avoid speculation — the royal family’s medical privacy is strictly observed.
In the absence of official confirmation, any claim about a specific diagnosis remains unverified. Readers should rely only on statements from Buckingham Palace or the royal household.
The implication: the public’s curiosity about her health is met with firm privacy, underscoring the Palace’s policy of disclosing only acute incidents.
Does Princess Anne have to curtsy to Camilla?
Royal protocol on curtsying
As Princess Royal, Anne is not required to curtsy to Camilla, the Queen Consort. Protocol typically exempts senior royals from curtsying to peers. The Royal Family outlines the formal hierarchy, but day-to-day practice often prioritizes family relationships over strict formality.
Anne’s relationship with Camilla
Anne and Camilla have a functional, professional relationship. Reports indicate they are not close friends but cooperate publicly. The pattern: public courtesy, private distance.
The question reflects a broader curiosity about royal hierarchy. For Anne, a working royal with decades of service, the curtsy question is largely symbolic — she routinely bows to the monarch, not to the Queen Consort as a peer.
What this means: protocol exemptions for senior royals are a quiet nod to rank and service, not personal friction.
Did Princess Anne like Diana?
Accounts of Anne and Diana’s relationship
Anne and Diana maintained a cordial relationship but were not close. Anne reportedly respected Diana’s public role but kept distance, according to History Extra. The two women had different temperaments and public styles.
Public and private interactions
There are no known private letters or statements from Anne about Diana. The EBSCO Research Starters biography notes that Anne preferred to focus on her own work, avoiding the media frenzy around Diana.
What does Princess Anne call King Charles?
Family nicknames
Anne reportedly calls him ‘Charles’ or ‘brother’ in private. No official public confirmation of a specific nickname exists. The BBC does not document private family address.
Public vs. private address
In official settings, she uses “Your Majesty” or “King Charles III.” The private nickname question remains in the “unclear” category — not due to controversy, but because the family keeps such details private.
Does Camilla get along with Princess Anne?
History of their relationship
Anne and Camilla have known each other for decades. Their relationship is professional and cordial, without public friction. History Extra describes them as “polite but not close.”
Current interactions
They appear together at state events and family gatherings. The trade-off: public unity masks private reserve, but no reports of conflict exist.
Is Princess Anne nice to her staff?
Anecdotes from former staff
Anne is known for being direct and no-nonsense. Multiple accounts describe her as respectful and considerate to long-serving staff. ABC News notes that staff who have worked with her for decades speak of her loyalty and professionalism.
Reputation within royal household
Former employees often describe her as “the hardest-working royal” and praise her lack of airs. The implication: her reputation for being demanding is balanced by consistency and fairness.
Timeline
- 15 August 1950 – Born at Clarence House (The Royal Family)
- 1973 – Marries Captain Mark Phillips (History Extra)
- 1976 – Competes in Montreal Olympics (The Royal Family)
- 1987 – Granted title Princess Royal (The Royal Family)
- 1992 – Marries Sir Timothy Laurence (History Extra)
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Anne is Princess Royal, seventh woman to hold the title (The Royal Family).
- She has two children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (History Extra).
- She is sister to King Charles III (The Royal Family).
- She competed in the 1976 Olympics (BBC News).
- She has been president of Save the Children UK since 1970 (EBSCO Research Starters).
What’s unclear
- Specific health diagnoses (no official confirmation).
- Exact private nicknames for King Charles.
- Private opinions on Diana, Princess of Wales.
Quotes from insiders
She is a very straightforward, no-nonsense person. She doesn’t have a lot of time for formality for its own sake.
— Royal commentator Robert Hardman (ABC News)
Her commitment to the charities she supports is extraordinary. She puts in the hours and expects the same from others.
— Former staff member, quoted in EBSCO Research Starters
We are enormously grateful for the public’s concern and support. The Princess Royal is recovering well and expects to be back on duty soon.
— Buckingham Palace, June 2024 (BBC News)
For the British royal family, Anne represents a unique blend of duty and independence. The implication: her relentless work ethic and refusal to court drama have made her one of the most respected — and most searched — royals. For the public, the takeaway is clear: the Princess Royal is a working royal who lets her actions speak louder than headlines.
Related reading: **Prince Philip: Life, Death, and Relationships with Diana & Harry**
britannica.com, youtube.com, britroyals.com, townandcountrymag.com, abcnews.com, bbc.co.uk, royal.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is Princess Anne’s full title?
Her full title is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise.
How many children does Princess Anne have?
She has two children: Peter Phillips (born 1977) and Zara Tindall (born 1981).
Who is Princess Anne’s current husband?
She is married to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, whom she wed in 1992.
What horse did Princess Anne ride in the Olympics?
She rode the horse Goodwill in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, competing in the three-day eventing competition.
How many patronages does Princess Anne hold?
She is associated with more than 300 charities and organizations, serving as patron or president for many.
Is Princess Anne an active working royal?
Yes, she remains one of the most active working royals, consistently undertaking public engagements throughout the year.
What is Princess Anne’s relationship with King Charles?
They are siblings with a reportedly close, supportive relationship. She calls him ‘Charles’ in private, per unconfirmed reports.
Did Princess Anne ever marry someone else after divorce?
After her divorce from Captain Mark Phillips in 1992, she married Sir Timothy Laurence later that same year.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Reef Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.