Princess Anne.Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
Princess Anneplayed a prominent role in her brotherKing Charles' coronation.
The Princess Royal, 72, took part in the Coronation Procession following the crowning ceremony as the “Gold-Stick-in-Waiting.” The prestigious position, which Princess Anne has held since 1998, dates back to the 15th century when two officers — a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick — were placed close to the monarch to protect them from harm.
Queen ElizabethandPrince Philip’s only daughter rode on horseback behind King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, in the Gold State Coach as they made their way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. Princess Anne led 6,000 armed services personnel through the streets of London in the procession.
Princess Anne.David Fisher/Shutterstock
In an interview withCBC Newsthat aired Monday night, Princess Annejoked about the perks of the job.
“I have a role as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals in the Household Cavalry regiment asGold Stick [in Waiting]. And Gold Stick was the original close protection officer. So that is a role I was asked if I’d like to do for this coronation, so I said yes,” she said. “Not least of all, it solves my dress problem.”
Princess Anne made history atQueen Elizabeth’s funeral as well. She became the first female royal to participate in what wasknown as the Vigil of the Princes, where children of the monarch stood a symbolic watch over the coffin.
Princess Anne.BBC
While her older brother may be King, Princess Anne typically often takes the title of the hardest-working member of the royal family, undertaking the most royal engagements in a year.
In December, Princess Anne and her youngest brother Prince Edward werenamed Counsellors of State, meaning they can carry out constitutional duties for their brother King Charles if he is abroad or unwell.
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The role is a return for Princess Anne and Prince Edward, 59. The siblings were previously Counsellors of State toQueen Elizabethbefore they were overtaken in theline of successionto the throne as King Charles and Prince Andrew had children and grandchildren.
source: people.com
