Erica LeeAs the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born as one of the highest-ranking Royals in the UK.
In addition, she’s also a former Olympic athlete, the survivor of an infamous kidnapping attempt, and an honorary admiral in the Royal Navy.
Her Exclusive Title: Princess Royal
Anne’s title is special, even among the Royal Family. The Princess Royal is a title that can only be bestowed to the daughter of a monarch.
Even Elizabeth didn’t get called Princess Royal.
About That Kidnapping
In 1974, a deranged man attacked Anne’s car as she approached Buckingham Palace. He planned to kidnap the Princess Royal and hold her for ransom; in the struggle, multiple people were shot.
Anne, however, maintained calm and carried on until the suspect was apprehended.
Divorce Drama
Anne was the first Royal to remarry after a divorce since 1905.
The last divorcee before her was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter. She and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, had an unhappy marriage plagued with infidelity on both sides.
After they divorced, she married Timothy Laurence in 1992.
No Titles for Her Kids
Anne decided not to confer Royal titles on her children–even though the Queen offered.
Typically, royal titles only come down through the male line, but Granny Elizabeth was willing to give Anne’s children courtesy titles. Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, said no!
Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall have both gone on record as being grateful for their parents’ decision
Sir Anne?
In 1994, the Queen wanted to appoint her only daughter to the Order of the Garter. The society was founded in 1348 by Edward III, and it remains the highest order of chivalry in England.
Typically, women are admitted as “Ladies of the Garter,” but Anne insisted on being admitted as a knight.
All About the Outdoors
Anne is famously not interested in the glamorous side of being royalty. In fact, she’s known for her frugal dressing, no-nonsense approach to life, and love of horses and the outdoors.
Olympic Athlete
Princess Anne’s lifelong love of horses paid off when she began competing at the international level in her 20s.
She won titles in Europe and even competed in the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Next time there’s a Royal procession in the street, keep an eye for Anne on horseback.
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