Princess Anne celebrated her milestone 75th birthday on Friday, with members of the royal family marking the occasion even as many were attending commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Birthday message from William and Kate
The Prince and Princess of Wales reshared the official portrait of the Princess Royal, writing: “Wishing Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal a very Happy 75th Birthday!”
Fans quickly responded with warm words. One follower praised the couple for “a lovely and gracious post,” while others called Anne “elegant and beautiful” and wished her “an absolutely lovely day.” Another admirer added: “What a beautiful photo and outfit. Wishing HRH The Princess Royal a very Happy Birthday.”
This gesture follows last year’s tribute from William and Kate, when they reposted a series of family photos originally shared by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The montage included childhood images of Charles and Anne at a picnic in 1954, snapshots of the Princess at Buckingham Palace garden parties, and a touching portrait of the siblings together ahead of the King’s coronation.
Official portrait and private celebrations
To mark her birthday, Buckingham Palace released a new portrait taken by photographer John Swannell at Gatcombe Park, Anne’s Gloucestershire estate. The Princess Royal is seen smiling by a window in a royal blue dress with white button, collar and cuff details.
Despite turning 75, Anne is said to have told aides she only wishes to celebrate “the birthdays with a zero in them, not the fives.” True to her low-key approach, she is spending the day privately with her husband of 33 years, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, reportedly enjoying their annual sailing holiday around the Western Isles of Scotland.