Royal Family Shares Princess Anne’s Birthday Tribute 4 Days Early — But for a Good Reason
Princess Anne, who will celebrate her 75th birthday on August 15, has bold plans for her milestone. The Princess Royal is expected to embark on a ten-day sailing trip to western Scotland with her husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence, without any staff on board. On August 11, the royal family paid tribute to the hardworking Princess by sharing a series of portraits showcasing her many achievements. While royal watchers were left puzzled by the early tribute, the family marked the occasion four days before to avoid clashing with the upcoming VJ Day celebrations.
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The royal family’s Instagram account posted a carousel featuring fun facts about Anne and her family. The caption read, "As we celebrate the Princess Royal turning 75 this week, swipe to find out more about the life and work of Her Royal Highness." As reported by PEOPLE, the royals likely marked the occasion early to avoid crossover with the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, which also falls on the same date. VJ Day commemorates the Allied forces’ victory over Japan, officially ending World War II in 1945. The montage opened with a glamorous photo of Anne from her 70th birthday in 2020.
The carousel shared facts such as Anne being the second child and only daughter of the late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth. The second slide offers insight into her Princess Royal title, traditionally held for life by the reigning monarch’s eldest daughter. The third highlights how Anne supports King Charles by representing him at events in the UK and abroad, while the fourth recalls her first royal engagement at age 18. Posts five through seven pay tribute to her 'hardest working royal' status, her packed schedule, and her ties to numerous charities and the Commonwealth. Slides eight and nine, meanwhile, mention her second marriage to Timothy Lawrence, as well as her two children and grandchildren. The final side wishes her a warm 75th birthday.
The Princess Royal recently also marked a subtle milestone—her first hair makeover in over 50 years. On August 8, Buckingham Palace released a new photo of Anne with Sir Laurence from the state banquet for the French President, showing her elegant and poised. Her revamped hairstyle caught the attention of royal watchers, who noted that after nearly five decades of sporting her trademark bouffant, she had swapped it for a sleek chignon. According to HELLO!, Anne wore a white evening dress and jacket, paired with a dazzling diamond necklace, the Festoon Tiara, her royal family orders, the Thistle Star, the Garter Star, and a sash.
As for Anne's attendance at VJ Day, she was not listed among the royal attendees and was absent from the Palace's itinerary alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. As reported by The Times, Anne, as she does every August, will spend her special day sailing before heading to Balmoral Castle to join Charles. Friends close to the Princess describe being at sea with her husband as her 'happy place.'