On August 15, 2025, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, marks her 75th birthday—a significant milestone in her extraordinary life of dedication to the British royal family and charitable causes. To commemorate this occasion, a new portrait has been released, capturing her alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, at a state banquet in Windsor Castle. The photograph not only highlights Princess Anne’s timeless elegance but also underscores her role as a symbol of non-political royal soft power. However, the centerpiece of this year’s celebration is a heartfelt gift from her brother, King Charles III—the first royal family member to honor her with a tribute. The gift, an exquisitely crafted bronze horse statue, reflects Princess Anne’s lifelong passion for equestrianism while carrying deep familial and symbolic significance, celebrating her enduring legacy.

The newly unveiled portrait was taken during a state banquet hosted by King Charles III in July 2024 for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle. In the image, Princess Anne is resplendent in her banquet gown, adorned with the Order of the Garter Sash and Star, the Order of the Thistle Star, and the King’s Family Order alongside the Royal Family Order from the late Queen Elizabeth II. Released by Buckingham Palace, the photograph serves as the opening note of a series of celebrations for her milestone birthday. It is more than a mere image—it is a tribute to the “hardest-working royal,” a title Princess Anne has earned through decades of tireless service.

Born on August 15, 1950, Princess Anne is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Renowned for her practical approach, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment, she has participated in over 20,000 official engagements and supports more than 300 charities, military organizations, and sporting bodies. A trailblazer, she was the first British royal to compete in the Olympics, representing the UK in equestrian events at the 1976 Montreal Games, and won a gold medal at the 1971 European Eventing Championships. These achievements not only highlight her personal talent but also elevate the monarchy’s global presence.

This year’s birthday celebration, held quietly yet warmly at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, where she resides with her husband and grandchildren, has been overshadowed by the extraordinary gift from King Charles III. The bronze horse statue, standing approximately 50cm tall and crafted by a renowned British artisan, draws inspiration from Princess Anne’s favorite breed, the English Thoroughbred. Presented to her early on her birthday morning, the statue now graces the gardens of Gatcombe Park, where she tends to her beloved horses. A palace source revealed that King Charles, in a private message, described his sister as “an inspiration to us all, with her resilience and relentless dedication.” The gift, the first from a royal family member, was followed by tributes from others, including Prince William and the Princess of Wales, Kate.

The significance of this gift is amplified by Princess Anne’s recent health scare in June 2024, when she was rushed to intensive care after being struck by a horse at Gatcombe Park, resulting in a head injury and temporary memory loss. Remarkably, she returned to royal duties within three weeks, joining King Charles at a ceremony to present new standards to The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals at Windsor Castle. Reflecting on the incident with characteristic humor, she remarked, “I have no memory of that accident, but every day now feels like a bonus.” Her resilience has inspired countless admirers, particularly those leading the charities she champions.

Moazzam Malik, Chief Executive of Save the Children UK—an organization Princess Anne has supported since becoming its president in 1970 at age 20 and later its patron in 2017—praised her as a non-political inspiration. “While she remains apolitical as a royal, her gentle support galvanizes our organization and partners,” Malik said. Over 55 years, she has met more than 27,000 of the charity’s supporters and helped raise tens of millions of pounds. Her visits span the UK, where one in three children lives in relative poverty, and international destinations like Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where one in 11 children requires humanitarian aid. Malik added, “She continually nudges us forward, showing deep care for Britain and the world amid geopolitical challenges.”

Similarly, Tanya Curry, Chief Executive of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, which Princess Anne has patronized since 2008, noted that her workload has intensified as she approached 75. “Her mental and physical stamina is extraordinary. She’s working harder than ever, positioning the royal family in a way that resonates with the public,” Curry said. During King Charles’s cancer diagnosis earlier in 2024, Princess Anne played a pivotal role in supporting his streamlined working monarchy, taking on additional public duties.

Michael Baker, Chief Executive of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which Princess Anne has supported since 1971, described her “wicked wit” and ability to put people at ease with a quick one-liner. She insisted on attending the RDA’s national championships as her first engagement post-hospitalization, demonstrating her determination. “She was resolute about being there, and her presence was profoundly impactful,” Baker said.

Lord Kakkar, Chairman of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, where Princess Anne serves as president, likened her to her late father, Prince Philip, for her deep knowledge of science, engineering, and technology. The commission, established by Prince Albert during the Great Exhibition era, awards around 35 postgraduate fellowships annually for cutting-edge research. “Her Royal Highness is deeply committed, ensuring a profound impact on lives in our country and beyond,” Kakkar said, noting her preparedness and willingness to engage in robust discussions.

Beyond her charitable work, Princess Anne’s international engagements, such as her 2004 visit to Vietnam to strengthen UK-Vietnam relations and her participation in Commonwealth Games, highlight her global influence. She is also a vocal advocate for sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation, echoing the values of her parents.

As she turns 75, Princess Anne shows no signs of slowing down; if anything, she is more active than ever. This year’s celebration, with King Charles’s bronze horse statue as its centerpiece, honors not only her personal achievements but also the enduring relevance of the British monarchy: dedicated, resilient, and humane. As Malik aptly concluded, “She is a living testament to the soft power of the royal family.” The statue, symbolizing family bonds and shared passions, ensures this milestone birthday will be remembered as a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable royal.