It was an emotional and unforgettable moment in 2022 when Princess Anne bowed to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, just days before the state funeral.

The gesture deeply moved royal watchers, with many taking to social media to commend Anne – who turns 75 tomorrow (Friday, August 15) – for the respect and love she showed her late mother.

The Queen’s Final Journey

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, at her cherished Balmoral Castle. Her funeral was held on September 19, but in the days leading up to it, the nation was able to pay tribute.

On September 11, the Queen’s coffin began its journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh, where it was taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The following day, it was moved to St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Scottish public was given the chance to say their final goodbyes.

As the coffin entered the palace, members of the royal family gathered to honor the Queen. Among them were Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

As the coffin passed her, Princess Anne performed a deep curtsy. Sophie also curtsied, while Edward and Andrew bowed their heads. In a tender moment, Sophie was seen placing her hand on Anne’s back to offer comfort.

Public Reaction to Anne’s Gesture

The Princess Royal’s simple yet powerful act of respect struck a chord with the public. Many fans expressed how deeply touched they were by her curtsy.

“This brought me to tears, Princess Anne curtsied to Queen Elizabeth, her mother, so much respect,” one wrote.

“How fitting that Princess Anne curtsied to her mother’s coffin. Brings tears to my eyes, what love and respect she has shown the world for her mother,” another shared.

Others echoed the sentiment:

“My tears welled up when I saw Princess Anne curtsy to her mother’s coffin. The final goodbyes of a daughter to her mother.”

“Princess Anne’s curtsy to her mother’s coffin is the most heartbreaking but appropriate act I have seen across these last days. Broken.”

“Princess Anne’s curtsy to her mum’s casket made me cry.”

Grief Etched in Her Posture

According to body language expert Judi James, Anne was visibly devastated by her mother’s passing. Describing her as the most “poignant” figure among the royals when they left Balmoral Church on September 10, James noted that Anne’s posture and expression revealed her sorrow.

“Princess Anne was possibly the most poignant figure in terms of her body language, with her diminished posture and her facial expression,” she explained, adding that her stance appeared to show stoicism.

Yet beneath that, James observed, Anne seemed “contorted by sadness” as she faced the reality of losing her beloved mother.