The Two Husbands Of Princess Anne: A Look Inside Her Royal Marriages And Why Her Second Wedding Made History

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is one of the most hardworking and private members of the British Royal Family, yet her personal life has been marked by two very public marriages. As of December 2025, she has been married twice, a rarity for a royal of her generation, with her second wedding breaking a significant royal tradition.

The story of her two husbands—one a gold-medal-winning equestrian and the other a highly decorated naval officer—offers a fascinating glimpse into a royal who has always chosen her own path, prioritizing love and discretion over rigid royal protocol. From a lavish, televised ceremony at Westminster Abbey to a quiet, historic service in a small Scottish church, her marriages are a testament to her independent spirit.

The Two Distinguished Men Princess Anne Married: A Complete Biography

Princess Anne has been married to two men: Captain Mark Phillips and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Both men came from outside the direct line of the aristocracy, bringing a unique blend of military and professional distinction to the Royal Family.

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Captain Mark Phillips (First Husband)

• Full Name: Mark Anthony Peter Phillips
• Born: September 22, 1948 (age 77, as of 2025)
• Education: St. Edward’s School, Marlborough College, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
• Profession: Former Army Officer (Captain in the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards) and Olympic Equestrian.
• Royal Connection: Met Princess Anne through their shared passion for equestrian eventing. He won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
• Marriage Date: November 14, 1973, at Westminster Abbey.
• Divorce Date: April 23, 1992 (separated in 1989).
• Children with Anne: Peter Phillips (born 1977) and Zara Tindall (née Phillips, born 1981).
• Title: He famously declined the offer of an earldom upon marriage, which is why his children do not hold royal titles.

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (Second Husband)

• Full Name: Timothy James Hamilton Laurence
• Born: March 1, 1955 (age 70, as of 2025)
• Education: Sevenoaks School, University College London (UCL)
• Profession: Retired Royal Navy Officer, rising to the rank of Vice Admiral.
• Royal Connection: He served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II from 1986 to 1989, which is how he met Princess Anne.
• Marriage Date: December 12, 1992, at Crathie Kirk, Scotland.
• Current Status: Still married (celebrated 33rd wedding anniversary in 2025).
• Title/Honours: He was recently promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) by King Charles III in 2024, a high honour for service to the sovereign.

The Grand Royal Wedding to Captain Mark Phillips (1973)

The wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips on November 14, 1973, was a spectacular event, viewed globally by an estimated 500 million people. It was a traditional royal affair, held at Westminster Abbey, the site of many coronations and royal weddings, including that of her parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The match was one of shared interests. Both Anne and Mark were world-class equestrians, a bond that formed the foundation of their relationship. Their common ground in the demanding world of eventing—a sport requiring intense discipline—was a powerful initial connection. The Princess Royal wore a high-necked, Tudor-style wedding dress by Maureen Baker, the chief designer for Susan Small, and the Queen Mary’s Russian Fringe Tiara. The lavish ceremony was a classic example of royal pomp and circumstance, contrasting sharply with Anne's later choice for her second wedding.

The marriage lasted 18 years, during which they had two children, Peter and Zara. Despite the eventual breakdown of the marriage, culminating in a separation in 1989 and a divorce in 1992, the two have maintained a remarkably friendly and functional relationship. They remain neighbors in Gloucestershire, sharing duties related to their children and grandchildren, and often appear together at equestrian events, demonstrating a mature co-parenting dynamic rarely seen in divorced couples, royal or otherwise.

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Why Princess Anne’s Second Marriage Was Quiet and Historic

Princess Anne's second marriage, to naval officer Commander Timothy Laurence, was a quiet, intimate affair that nevertheless made history. The couple tied the knot on December 12, 1992, less than eight months after her divorce from Mark Phillips was finalized.

The location of the wedding was the key historical detail. It was held at Crathie Kirk, a small parish church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland, not in England. This choice was not merely for privacy; it was a necessity due to religious protocol at the time. The Church of England, the official church of the monarchy, did not permit the remarriage of divorced people with a living former spouse. However, the Church of Scotland (a Presbyterian church, not the Church of England) had no such restrictions, allowing the Princess to marry the man she loved without contravening religious law.

This decision marked Princess Anne as only the second British royal to remarry after a divorce, following her great-great-uncle, the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII). The wedding was a stark contrast to her first—Anne wore a simple cream suit and a floral headpiece, and the guest list was limited to a small gathering of close family, including her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her children, Peter and Zara.

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The Enduring Partnership with Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence

The marriage between Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence has proven to be one of the most enduring and discreet royal unions. Timothy Laurence, who served in the Royal Navy for many years, is known for his calm demeanor and unwavering support of his wife's duties. His career culminated in the rank of Vice Admiral, and he has since become a key figure supporting the Princess Royal in her vast array of public engagements.

Their life together is characterized by a shared commitment to public service and a desire for privacy. They split their time between their London residence and Gatcombe Park, the Princess Royal's private estate. The relationship is often described as one of quiet companionship, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the pressures of royal life.

In a powerful sign of his integration and importance within the Royal Family, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was recently honoured by King Charles III. In 2024, he was promoted within the Royal Victorian Order to Knight Grand Cross (GCVO), an honour personally bestowed by the monarch for service to the Crown. This promotion underscores his role as a trusted and respected member of the family, a quiet pillar of support for one of the monarchy's most steadfast figures, the Princess Royal herself.