Princess Anne cuts a striking figure 👀 The Princess Royal rode alongside Prince William and the Duke of Edinburgh as the Royal Family made their way to the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London, marking King Charles III’s official birthday.mc

Princess Anne looked nothing short of spectacular as she donned her military uniform to travel on horseback (on a majestic mare named Noble) for the King’s Birthday Parade on Saturday. However, onlookers might be wondering why the King’s sister always wears a uniform to such occasions rather than donning occasion wear like the other royal women. Not to worry, we’re here to enlighten you.

Royals with military and naval connections have worn military dress on state occasions since the 19th century – hence her ensemble. Read on to find out about The Princess Royal’s service, her uniform and the medals she wears.

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Princess Anne’s uniform

As Colonel of the Blues and Royals, the 75-year-old royal wore a Full Mounted Ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). Due to this title, the Princess Royal typically follows the procession on horseback, rather than riding in the carriage alongside the rest of the royal family.

Mounted on horseback, she rode alongside the Prince of Wales, who rode a horse named Darby, while the Duke of Edinburgh’s horse was called Sir John.

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The trio proudly wore the Collars of the Order of the Garter and Sash of the Order of the Thistle, with the Princess Royal looking smart in her bicorn hat, jodhpurs and riding boots.

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As for her medals, the Princess Royal wore the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Naval Long Service and the Good Conduct Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration, Order of St John Service Medal, and New Zealand 1990 Medal.

Princes Anne’s service history

The Princess is patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity as well as being Commodore-in-Chief for Portsmouth. Although she hasn’t actually served in the military like her brothers Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, she is an honorary Rear Admiral, and takes her role very seriously. Since 2020, she has served as a General in the British Army and an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.

The Princess Royal carries out hundreds of engagements with her military patronages and affiliations every year and usually tops the hardest-working royal list.