For the first time since her injury last summer, the Princess Royal rode horseback today, during the monumental Trooping the Colour procession.
The 73-year-old travelled on the historically unruly horse Noble during the parade, as she rode down The Mall.
As an experienced equestrian and incredible horse rider, Princess Anne had no trouble keeping her horse under control without drawing attention away from the spectacle of the parade.
© GettyDuring the procession before the parade, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II looked solemn, serious and focussed, riding beside her brothers, making a truly triumphant public return to her greatest passion.
Princess Anne's Trooping the Colour outfit
The wife of Sir Timothy Lawrence donned her full outfit as Colonel of the Blues and Royals: a Full Mounted Ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons).
Dressed in her bicorn hat, jodhpurs and riding boots, as well as the Collars of the Order of the Garter and Sash of the Order of the Thistle, she looked utterly magnificent.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesIt is because she holds this title that the Princess Royal rides horseback, joined by Prince William and Prince Edward, in the parade, rather than in a carriage alongside the rest of the British royal family.
Trooping the Colour
© Samir Hussein/WireImageWhat is it?
Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony performed by regiments of the British Army to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign. While Charles' actual birthday is 14 November, official celebrations always take place in June.
When is it held?
In 2025, it is scheduled for Saturday 14 June.
Where is it held?
Central London, with the procession route travelling from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, along The Mall, and back again.
Who attends?
- King Charles III (in recent years, he has participated on horseback).
- Household Division: including the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry.
- Senior royals, such as the Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales often ride on horseback or appear on the palace balcony - like the Princess of Wales
Why is it called Trooping the Colour?
One regiment's colours (flag) are "trooped" (carried) before the monarch. The event ends with an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace, viewed by the royal gamily from the balcony.
Historical roots:
It dates back to the 17th century and became an annual event to mark the sovereign’s official birthday under King George III in the 18th century.
Official celebrations to mark the sovereigns' birthday have often been held on a day other than their actual birthday, particularly when the day has not fallen on a day in the summer.
Where can I watch it?
The ceremony is broadcast live by the BBC and covered globally.
Princess Anne is the only female member of the royal family to wear a uniform, due to her connections to the military and navy; it has been tradition since the 19th century for royals with such relationships to wear military attire on state occasions.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThough she hasn't herself served in the military, unlike her brothers King Charles and Prince Andrew, she does hold the title of an honorary Rear Admiral, and is a patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
Additionally, she carries out hundreds of engagements with these patronages and links every year, and is arguably one of the working royals who takes on the most duties.
This year, Princess Anne also wore a black armband, after the King personally requested that all senior working royals and others in riding or marching uniform do so, as a tribute to those who died during the tragic Air India incident.
