Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has graciously shared her Christmas card, coinciding with her recent wedding anniversary. This thoughtful gesture, revealed through a post by the Reliant Motor Club on their Facebook page, underscores the royal’s commitment to holiday traditions and family values. The card carries a warm message: “With best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year, from Anne.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the season, highlighting the importance of relationships amidst the royal duties.
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
The card features a captivating photograph of Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, taken during the prestigious Garter Day ceremony in June. The couple is elegantly portrayed in a carriage following the elaborate service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Anne’s exquisite dark blue velvet Garter robes, complemented by her distinctive Tudor-style hat adorned with white plumed ostrich feathers, create a striking visual that reflects her regal presence. Meanwhile, Sir Tim is seen in a classic morning suit and a top hat, completing the couple’s dignified appearance.
Anne’s membership in the Order of the Garter, which dates back to her appointment in 1994, adds historical significance to this image. Interestingly, unlike her brother King Charles, who was also installed in the order, Anne opted for the title of knight rather than that of a lady. This choice speaks volumes about her character and independence.
December 12 marked the Princess Royal’s 32nd wedding anniversary with Sir Tim, celebrated quietly as she remained dedicated to her royal responsibilities. Married at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Anne’s second marriage signifies a constructive evolution in her personal life. She was previously wed to Captain Mark Phillips for nearly two decades, and together they share two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall. Now a proud grandmother to five grandchildren, including Savannah Phillips and Mia Tindall, Anne’s role as a matriarch reinforces the value she places on family unity, especially during festive gatherings such as the traditional Christmas at Sandringham.
Despite the festive season’s demands, Anne remains steadfast in her public engagements. Known for her relentless work ethic, she frequently ranks at the top of the list for the hardest-working royals. Just before the Christmas break, she will participate in the London International Horse Show, underscoring her lifelong passion for equestrian activities. Looking ahead, she will also be the first royal to return to official duties into the new year, attending the Oxford Farming Conference on January 9.
Amidst the royal family’s well-documented traditions, the annual Christmas card exchange has become a cherished practice, with King Charles and Queen Camilla sharing their portrait earlier this month. This continuity of tradition within the royal family serves as a reminder of their public service and personal connections, even as they navigate the complexities of modern monarchy. As the holiday season unfolds, Princess Anne’s card symbolizes not just a celebration, but a dedication to family, legacy, and duty—values at the core of royal life.
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