Princess Anne—often celebrated for her resilience, discipline, and unshakable composure—found herself unexpectedly moved on her 75th birthday. Known as the hardest-working royal, she rarely shows emotion in public. But today was different.
As the nation honored both VJ Day and Anne’s milestone, the Prince and Princess of Wales paused their own busy schedules to share a deeply personal message with William’s beloved aunt. Reposting her official birthday portrait, William and Catherine wrote:
“Wishing Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal a very Happy 75th Birthday!”
The simple gesture carried enormous weight, with fans instantly flooding social media with praise. “As always, a lovely and gracious post from our Prince and Princess of Wales,” wrote one admirer, while another added: “She is so elegant and beautiful! Age is just a number. A very happy birthday to her.”
Anne’s birthday was officially marked with a striking portrait captured by royal photographer John Swannell at her Gatcombe Park home. Dressed in regal blue with white detailing, she stood by the window, her smile radiant yet serene—a perfect reflection of her no-nonsense grace.
While King Charles and Queen Camilla had also celebrated her with a touching photo montage last year—including a rare 1954 childhood picnic shot with a young Charles—Anne herself remained true to character, quietly downplaying the fuss. “Birthdays with a zero matter, not the fives,” she once quipped to aides.
This year, instead of grand festivities, she chose a private celebration with her husband of 33 years, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, reportedly sailing through the Western Isles of Scotland as they do every summer.
And yet, despite her wishes for a low-key day, William and Catherine’s thoughtful tribute ensured this was a birthday she will never forget—one that brought tears to the eyes of the famously stoic Princess Royal.
