Why is Princess Anne called Princess Royal? Is Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter married - who is her husband

Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96, with the UK entering a period of national mourning.

The death of Queen Elizabeth has sparked a change of titles for many members of the Royal family including Charles who has become the new King.

However, Princess Anne, the Queen’s eldest daughter, will retain her title of Princess Royal. But why is Princess Anne known as Princess Royal and what is the meaning behind the title?

Who is Princess Anne?

Princess Anne is the second child and only daughter of the late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip.

The Princess Royal was born in August 1950 and was educated at Benenden School which is an independent boarding school for girls.

Anne shared an interest in horse riding with her mother The Queen and became a talented equestrian.

During her career Anne would win a gold medal at the European Event Championships in 1971 and two silver medals in the same competition in 1976.

Anne became the first member of the royal family to compete in the Olympic Games in 1976. She was awarded the sports personality of the year award in 1971 and became the first member of the royal family to appear on a television quiz show when she competed in A Question of Sport.

Why does Princess Anne wear the military uniform?

Princess Anne became the first female to take part in the Vigil of the Prince’s service as a mark of respect to the late monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

During the vigil, Princess Anne was seen wearing a military uniform however, she did not serve in the military herself.

Like many royals she holds a number of military honours and titles. The Princess Royal was made a Rear Admiral in 1993, before being promoted to a vice admiral in 2009 and later becoming an Admiral in 2012.

The Princess Royal is a general in the British Army and an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.

Despite not serving in the army, Anne is described as one of the most hard working royals and carries out a number of engagements with the military each year.

Why is Anne known as the Princess Royal?

Anne has been known as the Princess Royal since 1987. The title is typically bestowed on the eldest daughter of the monarch.

Although the title is purely honorary, it is the highest honour that may be given to a female member of the royal family.

The title is held for life, even if the holder outlives her parent the monarch. Therefore Princess Anne will hold the title for the remainder of her life.

Who is next in line for the title of Princess Royal?

As King Charles has no daughters, the title will most likely fall to Prince William’s second child Princess Charlotte.

However, it is not an hereditary title and it is therefore up to Prince William to decide when and if he wants to bestow the title onto his daughter.

Who has previously been Princess Royal?

The Princess Royal title dates back to the 1600s when King Charles I was on the throne. King Charles bestowed the title upon his eldest daughter Mary in 1642.

King Charles was persuaded to give her the title by his wife Queen Henrietta Maria, daughter of King Henry IV of France. In France, it is customary for the monarch’s eldest daughter to be known as Madame Royal.

In total there have been seven members of the royal family which have received the title Princess Royal. These are:

• Princess Mary: 1631-1660
• Princess Anne: 1727 - 1759
• Princess Charlotte: 1789-1828
• Princess Victoria: 1841-1901
• Princess Louise: 1905-1931
• Princess Mary: 1932-1965
• Princess Anne: 1987- present

Who is Princess Anne’s husband?

Princess Anne is married to Sir Timothy Laurence.

Timothy Laurence is a retired Royal Navy Officer who served from 1973 until 2011. Laurence first met Princess Anne when he served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II and it was around this period that rumours circulated to suggest that Anne’s marriage with former husband Captain Mark Phillips was breaking down.

Princess Anne divorced Mark Phillips in 1992 and married Timothy Laurence during the same year.