Often dubbed the most "hard-working" royal, Princess Anne marks yet another milestone today defined by a relentless dedication to public service, charity work and commitment to the British monarchy, as she turns 74 years of age.
The Princess Royal has come to embody the values of duty and responsibility that have come to define her role over the decades.
Born on August 15, 1950, as the second child and only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, she was launched into the public eye from birth.
But known for her no-nonsense attitude and strong work ethic, she has earned great respect from those born within and outside the royal circle.
Princess Anne's dedication is evident in her involvement with hundreds of charities, organisations, and military regiments. In 2023, according to the Telegraph, the Princess conducted 457 engagements, meaning that she kept the crown of most industrious for the third year running.
Express.co.uk shares 13 iconic photos of Princess Anne to mark her 74th birthday.
The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had four children together, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Princess Anne was born on August 15, 1950. The only daughter of the monarch, Anne, was not born at Buckingham Palace like her brothers. At the time of her birth, Buckingham Palace was undergoing renovations following damage it had sustained from the Second World War. In 1949, the Queen and Prince Philip moved to Clarence House. For this reason, Princess Anne was born at Clarence House rather than Buckingham Palace. After the birth, Prince Philip reportedly told everyone: "It's the sweetest girl."
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The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had four children together, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Princess Anne was born on August 15, 1950. The only daughter of the monarch, Anne, was not born at Buckingham Palace like her brothers. At the time of her birth, Buckingham Palace was undergoing renovations following damage it had sustained from the Second World War. In 1949, the Queen and Prince Philip moved to Clarence House. For this reason, Princess Anne was born at Clarence House rather than Buckingham Palace. After the birth, Prince Philip reportedly told everyone: "It's the sweetest girl."
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Growing up, the Princess Royal was extremely fond of horses and became an accomplished equestrian. Above, the Princess Royal is pictured competing at the Cookham Horse Trials, Berkshire, March 22, 1972. Princess Anne's participation in the Olympics in Canada in 1976 was a historic moment, making her the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Games. Her love for horses has been a constant in her life, and she continues to be deeply involved in the equestrian world.
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Growing up, the Princess Royal was extremely fond of horses and became an accomplished equestrian. Above, the Princess Royal is pictured competing at the Cookham Horse Trials, Berkshire, March 22, 1972. Princess Anne's participation in the Olympics in Canada in 1976 was a historic moment, making her the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Games. Her love for horses has been a constant in her life, and she continues to be deeply involved in the equestrian world.
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The late Prince Philip was very close to his only daughter. The Princess also inherited many qualities from her father, showing her love for sports and dedicating her life as a working royal. Eileen Parker, wife of Philip's close friend Mike Parker, previously revealed in the Daily Mail: "[Philip] always had more fun with Anne. Charles is more like the Queen, while Anne is very like Prince Philip."
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The late Prince Philip was very close to his only daughter. The Princess also inherited many qualities from her father, showing her love for sports and dedicating her life as a working royal. Eileen Parker, wife of Philip's close friend Mike Parker, previously revealed in the Daily Mail: "[Philip] always had more fun with Anne. Charles is more like the Queen, while Anne is very like Prince Philip."
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Not just one of the progressive thinkers of the Royal Family, Princess Anne was daring in fashion too, with exquisite taste. Here she is at the Bath and West Agricultural Show with members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1969. The Princess wore a double-breasted canary yellow dress coat at the show with a statement hat. Today, as a huge fan of both style and sustainability, the Princess Royal embraces a fashion ecosystem that invites royal fashion fans to think of the “broader implications for our planet and society” when it comes to clothing.
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Not just one of the progressive thinkers of the Royal Family, Princess Anne was daring in fashion too, with exquisite taste. Here she is at the Bath and West Agricultural Show with members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1969. The Princess wore a double-breasted canary yellow dress coat at the show with a statement hat. Today, as a huge fan of both style and sustainability, the Princess Royal embraces a fashion ecosystem that invites royal fashion fans to think of the “broader implications for our planet and society” when it comes to clothing.
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Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips were married in November 1973 at Westminster Abbey and first met on the equestrian circuit. Phillips came from a British military family and served in the Army. The wedding was watched by an estimated global audience of 500 million people. The Princess wore a high-necked gown by Maureen Baker of London-based label Susan Small. She also chose to wear Queen Mary's Fringe tiara, which was also worn by the late Queen Elizabeth on her own wedding day.
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Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips were married in November 1973 at Westminster Abbey and first met on the equestrian circuit. Phillips came from a British military family and served in the Army. The wedding was watched by an estimated global audience of 500 million people. The Princess wore a high-necked gown by Maureen Baker of London-based label Susan Small. She also chose to wear Queen Mary's Fringe tiara, which was also worn by the late Queen Elizabeth on her own wedding day.
(Image: Getty)
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