We saw the Royal Family gathered for the Queen’s birthday parade, also known as the Trooping the Color celebration. It was an incredible extravaganza with over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.
However, what caught most people’s eyes in the Royals Parade attendance was Princess Anne in military uniform. Many wondered, “Why does Princess Anne wear a military uniform?”
The short answer is because of her role as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals. For more details on how she came to presume this role, though, you would have to keep reading. So, go on!
Who is Princess Anne?
Princess Anne is Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s second child and only daughter. She is 17th in line of succession. Anne has been Princess Royal since 1987.
She was born on August 15, 1950, in London, United Kingdom. As of writing this, she is 71 years old. Her full name is Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise.
Princess Anne is recognized as an icon of old-fashioned, good public service, as she has done more than 20 thousand engagements since she turned 18.
What is the Trooping the Color Celebration?
This is a ceremony for the Queen’s birthday. It is a 17-century-old tradition. There will be a big parade that showcases fanfare, military precision, and horsemanship. When watching the parade, you can expect the military band to perform, a lot of salutes, and even a gun salute towards the end.
What is “The Blues and Royals”?
The Blues and Royals is a cavalry regiment of the British Army. In some cases, it is referred to as the Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons and had the nickname, “The Tin Bellies.” It has been active since March 29, 1969.
It has served in Northern Ireland, Germany, and Cyprus. It provided troops for the Falklands War of 1982 and a squadron in Bosnia between 1994 and 1995. And, more recently, the Blues and Royals regiment also participated in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.
Is Princess Anne the Colonel of the Blues and Royals?
Princess Anne is the Colonel of the Regiment, which is a ceremonial title. She acts as a patron to the unit but does not have an operational role. Princess Anne is informed of all the important activities that the regiment undertakes and occasionally visits the operational units, though her key duty is maintaining a link between the Blues and Royals and the Royal Family.
So, what does this mean? How does it relate to her wearing a military uniform during the Queen’s birthday parade?
Per tradition, at any function where she comes as the Colonel of the Regiment, Princess Anne wears the regimental uniform with the full colonel rank insignia.
Fun Fact: As a member of the Royal Family, Princess Anne is also referred to as a Royal Colonel.
Going back to the opening question, “Why does Princess Anne wear a military uniform,” it was because of her title as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals Regiment that she wore the Royal military uniform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Parade.
She also wears medals that she amassed during her service. Specifically, her uniform was adorned with:
The Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee Medals
The Silver Jubilee Medal – A commemorative medal that honors the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession.
The Gold Jubilee Medal – A commemorative medal that honors the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal – A commemorative medal that honors the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession.
The Platinum Jubilee Medal – A commemorative medal that honors the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter – An insignia to recognize those who have held public office, contributed to national life, or personally served the Sovereign.
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle – An insignia to honor an order of chivalry, which is associated with Scotland.
The Royal Victorian Order – It is awarded by the Queen for personal service or for service to the Monarchy.