Today marks a significant milestone as it commemorates 51 years since Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey.

Their wedding, which took place on November 14, 1973, was a historic event, being the first royal wedding to be televised.

The ceremony captivated an audience of over half a billion viewers who tuned in to witness the union of Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter with the Distinguished Lieutenant of the First Queen’s Dragoons.

At the time, Princess Anne believed she had found her soulmate in Mark Phillips.

However, the fairy tale did not last, and after nearly two decades of marriage, the couple announced their separation in 1989.

Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the split, which included the somewhat surprising note that “no divorce proceedings are planned.”

This revelation hinted at Princess Anne’s hesitation to formally end her marriage due to the societal pressures and royal expectations surrounding divorce.

Yet, just three years later, the narrative took a turn when the palace revealed that Anne had decided to file for divorce on April 13, 1991.

This decision came despite her earlier assertions that she had no intention of pursuing a divorce.

It seemed the weight of royal duty and personal happiness had finally tipped the scales.

The couple’s journey began in 1968 when they met at a horse-racing event in Mexico City, bonding over their mutual passion for equestrian sports.

Mark proposed five years later with a stunning sapphire and diamond ring designed by Garrett.

Their wedding day was a grand affair, celebrated not only at Westminster Abbey but also in the hearts of many who gathered for street parties to honor the royal couple.

Princess Anne’s wedding dress, designed by Maureen Baker, was a vintage masterpiece.

It featured a high neckline, long sleeves, and an impressive seven-foot train, all adorned with intricate beadwork.

To complete her bridal look, she wore a veil secured by the Queen Mary French tiara, styled into a chic chignon that perfectly complemented her ensemble.

Even after their separation, Anne and Mark maintained a cordial relationship, co-parenting their two children, Peter and Zara.

This amicable arrangement showcased their commitment to family, despite the challenges of their marital split.

Later, in the same year that she finalized her divorce, Princess Anne married Commander Timothy Lawrence in a private ceremony in Scotland, attended by just 30 guests.

This second marriage was groundbreaking, as it occurred just a decade after the Church of England began permitting divorced individuals to remarry.

Princess Anne became a trailblazer, being the first royal divorcee to find love again since Princess Victoria Melita, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

In a more recent reflection on her royal status, Princess Anne demonstrated her characteristic wit and straightforwardness when confronted by a student during a visit to Moscow in 1990.

When asked about the perks of living in Buckingham Palace, she humorously replied, “Well, I don’t know, because it’s not,” clarifying that the palace is a government facility and not her private residence.

This exchange resurfaced on TikTok, delighting royal fans and prompting a flurry of comments praising her intelligence and humor.

One fan remarked on her ability to handle questions with grace, while others noted her unique position within the royal family as refreshingly down-to-earth.

Princess Anne’s resilience was further highlighted during a harrowing kidnapping attempt in 1974, where she faced a gunman with remarkable composure.

As her car was ambushed, she famously quipped, “That’s not likely,” when asked to comply with the kidnapper’s demands for ransom.

This episode not only showcased her bravery but also her steadfast spirit in the face of danger.

Through the ups and downs of her life, Princess Anne has remained a figure of strength and authenticity.

From her early days as a newlywed to her current status as a respected member of the royal family, her journey reflects the complexities of royal duty intertwined with personal choices.