On August 15, 2025, the British royal family marked a significant milestone as Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, celebrated her 75th birthday. Known for her steadfast dedication to royal duties and her no-nonsense approach to public service, Princess Anne has long been regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the monarchy. To honor this special occasion, her brother, King Charles III, led the royal family in a series of heartfelt tributes that have captured the attention of royal enthusiasts worldwide. The centerpiece of these celebrations was a touching collection of rare family footage, shared by Buckingham Palace, showcasing tender moments from the early years of the royal siblings. These nostalgic glimpses into their childhood have melted hearts and offered a rare window into the close bond shared by King Charles and his younger sister.
The tributes began in the weeks leading up to Princess Anne’s milestone birthday, with Buckingham Palace orchestrating a carefully curated series of social media posts to highlight her remarkable contributions to the monarchy. The royal family’s official accounts shared a montage of vintage footage, capturing moments from the 1950s when a young Charles and Anne were growing up under the watchful eyes of their parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. One particularly endearing clip showed a two-year-old Charles curiously peering at his baby sister during her christening in 1950, only to scamper off moments later, embodying the playful energy of a toddler. Other clips featured the siblings aboard the royal yacht Britannia and frolicking at Balmoral, their family’s Scottish retreat, with Anne already displaying her lifelong passion for horses even as a young child. These intimate family moments, rarely seen by the public, underscored the deep affection and camaraderie that have defined the relationship between Charles and Anne over the decades.
Princess Anne, born on August 15, 1950, at Clarence House, has spent her life in service to the crown, earning widespread admiration for her tireless work ethic. As the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, she has carved out a unique place within the royal family. Despite being third in line to the throne at birth, changes in succession laws and the expansion of the royal family have seen her move to 18th in line. Yet, her position in the line of succession has never diminished her commitment to public service. Anne has been associated with over 300 charities, organizations, and military regiments, including a decades-long partnership with Save the Children, where she served as president for nearly 50 years before transitioning to patron. Her work spans diverse causes, from education and healthcare to sports and conservation, reflecting her broad interests and dedication to making a difference.
The royal family’s tributes also highlighted Anne’s reputation as the “hardest-working royal.” For the past four years, she has topped the list of royals with the most official engagements, as recorded in The Court Circular, often outpacing even her brother, the King. In 2024 alone, she undertook 474 engagements, a testament to her relentless energy and commitment, even at 75. Her resilience was further demonstrated by her swift return to royal duties following a serious horse-related accident in 2024, which left her briefly hospitalized. Just weeks later, she was back in the saddle, riding alongside her nephew, Prince William, and brother, Prince Edward, at the King’s birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, in a display of her characteristic determination.
King Charles’ tribute to his sister extended beyond nostalgic videos. In a groundbreaking gesture, the Royal Mint issued the first-ever commemorative coin featuring Princess Anne, adorned with her official coat of arms and a portrait taken by renowned photographer John Swannell. The coin, unveiled in July 2025, was described as a tribute to her “duty and devotion” to the monarchy. Additionally, Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of Anne, also captured by Swannell, showing her in a radiant red dress at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. Swannell, who has photographed Anne for her 40th, 50th, and 60th birthdays, was a fitting choice to mark this milestone, adding a touch of continuity to the celebrations.
While Princess Anne is known for shying away from the spotlight, preferring to let her work speak for itself, the outpouring of affection from her family and the public was unmistakable. The royal family’s social media posts were met with an outpouring of love from fans, who praised the close bond between Charles and Anne. One fan commented, “I love how King Charles honors his sister. You can tell they’ve been close since childhood, despite their different personalities.” Another described the vintage footage as “just gorgeous,” noting the tender moments between Anne and her parents. The Palace’s decision to share such personal glimpses into the royal family’s past resonated deeply, offering a humanizing perspective on a family often viewed through the lens of formality and tradition.
Anne’s birthday celebrations were notably understated, in keeping with her pragmatic personality. Rather than hosting lavish public events, she chose to mark the occasion privately, reportedly sailing around the Western Isles of Scotland with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. However, she did host a special forum in June for representatives from over 100 charities she supports, held at Buckingham Palace. During the event, she lightheartedly remarked that she needed her brother’s permission to use the palace, a playful nod to their close relationship. “We are very fortunate that His Majesty has allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event tonight,” she said with a grin, showcasing her ability to blend humor with her sense of duty.
The tributes also served as a subtle reminder of the values Anne embodies—hard work, loyalty, and resilience—qualities that have made her a cornerstone of King Charles’ monarchy. Some observers noted that the unprecedented attention given to her contributions might also reflect a broader message about the importance of dedication within the royal family, particularly at a time when public scrutiny of younger royals’ workloads has intensified. Anne’s unwavering support for her brother, both as Prince of Wales and now as King, was evident during significant moments, such as her prominent role in Charles’ 2023 coronation, where she rode on horseback as Gold Stick in Waiting, a ceremonial position of honor.
As Princess Anne embarks on her 75th year, her legacy as a devoted royal, accomplished equestrian, and steadfast sister continues to inspire. The nostalgic family footage shared by Buckingham Palace not only celebrated her milestone birthday but also reminded the world of the enduring bonds that tie the royal family together. For King Charles, the tributes were a deeply personal expression of gratitude for a sister who has stood by his side through decades of service. As the public continues to marvel at these rare glimpses into royal history, Princess Anne remains a beloved figure whose quiet strength and dedication continue to shine.
