Princess Anne, known as the Princess Royal, has been bestowed with a significant role by the King in recognition of her unwavering loyalty over the years.
She will take part in the procession as the prestigious gold stick-in-waiting, a position historically assigned to an individual entrusted with the personal safety of the Sovereign.
As a personal aide-de-camp to His Majesty, Anne will ride on horseback behind the newly crowned King and Queen, while Prince Charles and Camilla travel in the Golden State coach back to Buckingham Palace.
Anne will lead a larger procession consisting of 6,000 armed service personnel.
The privilege of being the gold stick-in-waiting dates back to the 15th century and Tudor times when two officers, a gold stick and a silver stick, were positioned near the Sovereign to protect them from any potential danger.
According to royal sources, the King personally informed his sister of his desire for her to fulfill this role, and she was deeply honored to accept it.
Despite their differences during childhood, the siblings have maintained a close relationship, with Charles often envious of Anne’s strong bond with their father, Prince Philip.
Insiders reveal that the King frequently seeks Anne’s advice and admires her straightforward approach.
As Colonel of the Blues and Royals Cavalry Regiment of the British Army, which is part of the Household Cavalry, Anne has previously fulfilled this role during state and ceremonial occasions.
Additionally, she served as a former personal aide-de-camp to the late Queen and rode on horseback for several years during the Trooping the Collar, the official celebration of the Sovereign’s birthday.
It is clear that the Princess Royal is the official bodyguard, and it is no wonder that Prince Harry plans to leave London.
With Anne and Lieutenant Colonel Johnny in charge, he would undoubtedly find himself in a predicament.
Renowned author Robert Hardman, who wrote “Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II,” describes Princess Anne as a perfect example of a spare to the heir due to her sense of duty and understanding of her role.
He emphasizes that even if one is destined for a peripheral position, they can still make a significant contribution.
Hardman notes that Anne’s father, the late Prince Philip, provided her with solid parental guidance, enabling her to navigate the challenges of royalty.
A good spare, according to Hardman, does not pay excessive attention to media scrutiny or take on numerous projects but focuses on areas where they can excel and truly make a difference.
Princess Anne has garnered a strong following among royal fans through her work and attitude.
In contrast, Prince Harry recently opened up about the challenges of always feeling overshadowed by his brother, Prince William, in his forthcoming memoir.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Harry revealed that he was aware that he was there to provide an organ donation to William if needed.
He stated that his parents and grandparents often referred to them as the heir and the spare, emphasizing their distinct roles.
Harry described his life as a mission to offer distraction, entertainment, and, if necessary, be a spare part, such as providing a kidney, blood transfusion, or bone marrow.
In conclusion, Princess Anne’s appointment as the gold stick-in-waiting for the King’s coronation is a testament to her loyalty and dedication to duty.
With her extensive experience and unwavering commitment, she is well-suited for this role.
As the procession unfolds on May 6th, all eyes will be on Anne as she leads the impressive gathering of armed service personnel.
Her presence and contribution will undoubtedly add grandeur to this historic event.