Princess Anne: Biography, Health, Relationships & Key Facts

There aren’t many members of the British royal family who have built a reputation as quietly formidable as Princess Anne’s. The Princess Royal, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has carved out a distinct role defined by duty, independence, and a workload that often surpasses her siblings’.

Full name and title: Anne, Princess Royal · Birth date: 15 August 1950 · Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh · Position in line of succession: 17th (as of 2025) · Olympic participation: 1976 Montreal Games (equestrian)

What has Princess Anne been diagnosed with?

As of 2025, Buckingham Palace has not publicly confirmed any major illness or medical diagnosis for Princess Anne. Official communications focus on her active duty schedule. In June 2024, she was hospitalized after an incident at Gatcombe Park, which palace sources described as a precautionary measure (ABC News (US broadcast network)). Reports from multiple outlets indicate she sustained head injuries while walking on her estate, with the medical team noting the injuries were consistent with a possible impact from a horse’s head or legs (ABC News (US broadcast network)). The BBC confirmed she was discharged after treatment for a minor head injury and concussion (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).

She returned to public duties within two weeks of the hospitalization, resuming a schedule that includes overseas visits and commemorative events (Reuters (international news agency)). In 2025, she represented the King at the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Bailiwick in Guernsey and Sark (The Royal Family (official British monarchy site)). No further health statements have been released.

The implication: The palace’s limited disclosure on Anne’s health mirrors its broader strategy of minimal personal medical commentary. For the public, the only visible signal is her continued presence on the engagement list.

Why did Princess Anne never bow to Camilla?

The question of bowing etiquette between Anne and Queen Camilla surfaces regularly. The answer lies in royal hierarchy: Anne outranks Camilla by birth. As the daughter of a monarch, Anne holds a higher precedence than Camilla, who became Queen Consort through marriage. Royal protocol dictates that bows and curtsies are directed to the sovereign, not automatically to the sovereign’s spouse (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).

Anne’s independent streak — well-documented by former staff and biographers — reinforces that she is unlikely to perform a gesture she considers unnecessary. In a 2022 speech, King Charles III described Anne as “the rock of the family” (Reuters (international news agency)), a phrase that underscores her unique position of not being beholden to courtier expectations.

What do Prince William’s kids call Camilla?

• In public, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis refer to her as “Queen Camilla” (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).
• Private family terms are not officially disclosed, but royal insiders suggest informal nicknames are used within the family.

Who was the love of Princess Anne’s life?

Princess Anne has been married twice. Her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips lasted from 1973 to 1992 and produced two children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia)). After her divorce, she married Sir Timothy Laurence in 1992, a naval officer and former equerry to the Queen (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).

Media reports have long speculated about an affair with Andrew Parker Bowles — Camilla’s first husband — during the 1970s. Multiple biographies suggest a romantic relationship, but Anne has never publicly confirmed or denied it (Reuters (international news agency)). The palace does not comment on private relationships.

What this means: In the absence of an official statement, the question of a single “love of her life” remains anecdotal. Both marriages have endured — Laurence is still her spouse — and she has rarely spoken about romance in interviews.

What does Princess Anne call King Charles?

According to unnamed palace sources, Anne reportedly addresses her older brother as “Charles” or “big brother” in private (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). No official confirmation exists, and the siblings are known for a close but not demonstrative relationship. Both share a dry sense of humor and a deep commitment to duty — traits that have strengthened their bond since the Queen’s death.

The trade-off: The public’s appetite for nicknames clashes with the family’s preference for privacy. The most revealing insight may be Charles’s own description of Anne as “the rock of the family” — a term of endearment that speaks louder than any informal label.

Is Princess Anne nice to her staff?

Former staff describe Anne as direct and no-nonsense, but fair. In interviews with royal correspondents, employees have called her professional and appreciative, expecting high standards without cruelty (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). There is no public record of mistreatment; she is consistently described as hardworking and unpretentious.

Does Princess Anne like Kate Middleton?

• Publicly, the two women are cordial at royal events (The Royal Family (official British monarchy site)).
• No known personal conflict has been reported.
• Anne has not given any interview expressing personal feelings about Kate or Meghan Markle.

Timeline: Key milestones in Princess Anne’s life

Seven major dates trace a royal life defined by steady service rather than spectacle.

The pattern: Anne’s timeline shows a career built on incremental milestones — marriage, divorce, remarriage, title, and duty — without the scandal gaps that define some royal narratives.

What we know for sure — and what remains unclear

Quotes from those who know her

“I don’t think it’s any different than any other family with a sense of duty.”

— Princess Anne, on her royal role (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))

“She’s the rock of the family.”

— King Charles III, in a 2022 speech (Reuters (international news agency))

“She expects high standards but is fair.”

— Former royal staff, quoted in media (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))

Princess Anne’s career is not defined by drama but by durability. At 75, she remains the most consistently active working royal, often performing more engagements than any other family member. For a monarchy navigating health scares and generational shifts, her dependable presence is a strategic asset — and a reminder that quiet diligence can outweigh public charisma. For Buckingham Palace, the calculation is clear: keep Anne on the roster, or risk a gap in constitutional duties that no other royal can currently fill.

Frequently asked questions