The Royal Mint has launched a historic commemorative coin to celebrate the 75th birthday of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, marking the first time she has been honored on an official UK coin. Dubbed the “Anne-iversary coin,” this £5 piece, released on July 18, 2025, has captivated royal enthusiasts and collectors alike, not only for its elegant design but also for a subtle yet profound “secret” embedded within it—a tribute to Princess Anne’s lifelong dedication to service that reveals a deeper truth about her legacy.

The coin, personally approved by Princess Anne, features a striking portrait based on a 2010 photograph by John Swannell, a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. Designed by renowned Royal Mint artist Thomas T. Docherty, the coin depicts the Princess Royal wearing the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, a Cartier creation gifted to her by her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1973. The inscription “The Princess Royal – Celebrating 75 Years – Duty and Devotion” encircles the portrait, alongside her official Coat of Arms, symbolizing her steadfast commitment to the Crown. The obverse bears the portrait of King Charles III, crafted by sculptor Martin Jennings, signifying royal approval of this milestone tribute.

The “secret” behind the coin lies in its nuanced design elements, which subtly reflect Princess Anne’s unassuming yet powerful influence within the royal family and the nation. According to Docherty, the portrait was meticulously crafted to capture Anne’s “understated elegance and strength of character.” The inclusion of the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, remodeled by Anne in the 1990s to create matching earrings and a pendant, serves as a nod to her practical approach to royal life—transforming a traditional heirloom into something uniquely her own. This detail, initially overlooked by some, has been hailed as a revelation of Anne’s ability to balance tradition with personal authenticity, a truth that resonates deeply with her admirers.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, emphasized the significance of this release: “For the first time in British numismatic history, we are honored to celebrate The Princess Royal on an official UK coin. Her Royal Highness’s unwavering commitment to public service, charitable work, and support of His Majesty’s Armed Forces over seven and a half decades makes her truly deserving of this tribute.” The coin, available in brilliant uncirculated (£17.50), silver proof (£110), piedfort silver proof (£208), and gold proof (£4,110) editions, has already sold out in several categories due to high demand from collectors and royal fans.

Princess Anne, born on August 15, 1950, is widely regarded as the hardest-working royal, undertaking nearly 400 engagements in 2024 alone, despite a health scare that saw her hospitalized after a horse-related incident. Her remarkable legacy includes being the first British royal to compete in the Olympics (1976) and her patronage of over 300 charities, including Save the Children UK, where she has served as president since 1970. The coin’s inscription, “Duty and Devotion,” encapsulates her tireless service, a sentiment echoed by fans on social media. One X user wrote, “This coin is a fitting tribute to Princess Anne’s incredible work ethic. She’s the backbone of the royal family!”

The hidden truth revealed by the coin’s design lies in its celebration of Anne’s often understated role. Unlike other royals frequently honored on coinage, such as Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III, Anne’s solo appearance is a rare and significant milestone. The choice to feature her Coat of Arms alongside the tiara underscores her unique position as a working royal who has quietly shaped the monarchy’s modern image. “The design reflects her strength and her role within the Commonwealth,” Docherty said. “Being Scottish, I admire her dedication to Scottish organizations, and I hope this coin serves as a lasting tribute.”

The coin’s release coincided with Princess Anne’s low-key approach to her milestone birthday, which she marked with a charities forum at Buckingham Palace in June, welcoming representatives from over 100 organizations. This event, rather than a grand celebration, highlighted her no-nonsense ethos, further reflected in the coin’s elegant yet practical design. Royal commentator Laura Elston noted, “The ‘Anne-iversary coin’ captures the Princess Royal’s strength and elegance, a perfect reflection of her lifelong service.”

As collectors rush to secure the limited-edition coins, the release has sparked broader conversations about Princess Anne’s legacy. “She deserves this and more,” one fan posted on X. “About time she’s recognized for her devotion to duty!” The coin not only celebrates her 75 years but also unveils the truth of her indispensable role in the monarchy—a legacy of resilience, service, and quiet strength that continues to inspire.