Princess Anne Family Insights: Meet the Grandchildren of Elizabeth

Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has long stood as one of the most respected figures in the British royal family. Known formally as Anne, Princess Royal, she combines duty, discipline, and compassion shaping her family legacy with quiet strength and independence.

Through her children and grandchildren, Princess Anne continues to represent a bridge between royal tradition and modern family life. In this detailed family insight, we explore her early years, her relationships, her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, and the next generation the grandchildren of Elizabeth II.

Who Is Princess Anne? A Royal Born to Serve

Born on August 15, 1950, Princess Anne grew up surrounded by royal tradition yet stood out for her directness and practical nature. As the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, she quickly became known for her sharp intellect and determined personality.

As Princess Royal, Anne has devoted her life to public service, completing thousands of royal engagements and working with over 300 charities. She’s often praised for her work ethic, humility, and sense of responsibility  qualities that make her one of the monarchy’s most admired members.

Early Life and Education

Anne’s childhood was a balance of royal protocol and personal development. She was privately tutored before attending Benenden School in Kent. There, she excelled academically and showed early signs of leadership.

A Love for Equestrian Sports

Her passion for horses emerged early. Encouraged by her parents, especially Prince Philip, Anne began riding competitively as a teenager. That love for equestrianism would later define her career — and become a family tradition passed on to her daughter Zara.

Princess Anne’s Equestrian Achievements

Few royals have achieved as much in sport as Princess Anne. She represented Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, competing in three-day eventing.

Her equestrian accomplishments include:

• Winning a gold medal at the 1971 European Eventing Championship
• Competing internationally for the British team
• Later serving as President of the British Olympic Association

Anne’s passion for the sport inspired her daughter Zara, who would go on to become one of Britain’s top equestrian athletes.

Princess Anne’s Marriages and Personal Life

Marriage to Captain Mark Phillips

On November 14, 1973, Princess Anne married Captain Mark Phillips, a skilled equestrian and British Army officer. Their marriage was one of the most-watched royal weddings of its time.

The couple welcomed two children:

• Peter Phillips (born 1977)
• Zara Phillips (Tindall) (born 1981)

Both were raised without royal titles, a decision by Anne and Mark to allow them greater independence.

Despite a strong beginning, the couple divorced in 1992 after growing apart.

Marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence

Later that same year, Anne married Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, a naval officer. Their marriage has been remarkably private and enduring, reflecting Anne’s preference for a quiet, stable personal life.

Princess Anne’s Children

Princess Anne’s children represent a modern, grounded side of the royal family, successful in their own right and living relatively normal lives despite their royal lineage.

Peter Phillips — A Life Beyond Royal Titles

Peter Phillips, born November 15, 1977, is the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II.

Unlike other royals, Peter has chosen a career in the corporate world. He has worked for companies like Jaguar, Williams F1, and RBS, and he often appears at royal family events with a calm, composed demeanor.

Peter married Autumn Kelly in 2008, and they had two daughters Savannah and Isla Phillips. After their separation in 2021, the two continue to co-parent peacefully.

Peter’s decision to live outside royal duties highlights Princess Anne’s influence promoting independence, humility, and work ethic.

Zara Tindall — The Modern Face of Royal Sport

Born May 15, 1981, Zara Tindall (née Phillips) inherited her mother’s talent and love for horses. She is an Olympic silver medalist and one of the most accomplished eventers in the world.

Her achievements include:

• World Equestrian Champion (2006)
• Olympic Silver Medalist (2012)
• Recipient of MBE for services to equestrianism

Zara married Mike Tindall, a former English rugby player, in 2011. Their down-to-earth, sports-driven lifestyle has made them one of Britain’s most relatable royal couples.

Together, they have three children:

• Mia Grace Tindall (2014)
• Lena Elizabeth Tindall (2018)
• Lucas Philip Tindall (2021)

Zara’s public persona friendly, hardworking, and unpretentious mirrors the values instilled by Princess Anne.

The Grandchildren of Elizabeth II Through Princess Anne

Princess Anne’s branch of the royal family represents a quieter but deeply connected side of Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy.

Savannah and Isla Phillips

Savannah and Isla Phillips are Peter’s daughters and the Queen’s first great-grandchildren.
Raised away from royal titles, they attend regular schools and live a balanced, semi-private life. They’re known for their playful personalities, often seen at royal family gatherings with cousins George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall

Mia Tindall captured hearts when she held her great-grandmother’s handbag in an official family photo, a moment that reflected the warmth and humor in Princess Anne’s family line.
Lena and Lucas enjoy an outdoorsy upbringing, often seen at equestrian events or country outings with their parents.

These five grandchildren represent the modern royal generation connected to their heritage but free from rigid protocol.

How Princess Anne’s Parenting Shaped Her Family’s Values

Princess Anne’s decision not to give her children titles was revolutionary. It allowed Peter and Zara to live without royal pressure, shaping strong, independent adults.

Her parenting emphasized:

• Work ethic: Anne’s relentless commitment to service inspired her children’s discipline.
• Privacy: She shielded them from excessive media attention.
• Normalcy: Her children attended regular schools and pursued their own interests.

This modern approach influenced how younger royals like Prince William and Prince Harry now raise their own families.

Princess Anne’s Continuing Role in the Modern Monarchy

Even in her 70s, Princess Anne remains one of the hardest-working royals. She routinely undertakes over 400 engagements each year, championing causes related to youth, health, agriculture, and veterans.

Her dedication reflects her mother’s legacy and reinforces her image as the monarchy’s most reliable member.

Anne’s steadfastness provides stability amid changing times especially following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and King Charles III’s rise to the throne.

A Legacy Built on Duty and Family

Princess Anne’s influence extends far beyond her royal title. She embodies a sense of purpose and simplicity rarely seen in public figures of her stature.

Her children’s independence and grandchildren’s grounded upbringing highlight her enduring philosophy: Royalty is best expressed through service, humility, and integrity.

Her quiet, consistent presence ensures that Elizabeth II’s spirit of dedication continues through generations.

Conclusion

Princess Anne stands as one of the most authentic and hardworking royals in history. From her Olympic pursuits to her charitable commitments, she has shaped a family defined by humility and honor.

Her children Peter and Zara reflect her values of independence and integrity, while her five grandchildren carry forward the warmth and resilience of Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy.

In an age where the monarchy evolves with modern times, Princess Anne’s family remains a symbol of stability, strength, and sincerity proving that true royalty lies not in privilege, but in purpose.

FAQs

1. Who are Princess Anne’s children?

Princess Anne has two children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (née Phillips), both from her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips.

2. Why don’t Princess Anne’s children have royal titles?

Anne chose not to grant them titles to allow her children more freedom and privacy, helping them live normal lives outside royal protocol.

3. How many grandchildren does Princess Anne have?

She has five grandchildren: Savannah and Isla Phillips, and Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall.

4. Who is Princess Anne married to now?

Princess Anne has been married to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence since 1992.

5. What does Princess Anne do today?

She continues to perform hundreds of royal engagements yearly and supports over 300 charities across the UK and Commonwealth.

6. What is Princess Anne’s title?

She holds the title Princess Royal, traditionally given to the eldest daughter of a reigning monarch.

7. How has Princess Anne influenced the royal family?

Her work ethic, humility, and focus on service have made her a role model for younger generations of the royal family.