Princess Anne Reflects on Her First Marriage as It Marks 51 Years Since Royal Wedding

Today marks a significant milestone in royal history—51 years since Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey.

Their wedding on November 14, 1973, was not just a personal affair; it was the first-ever televised royal wedding, drawing an astounding 500 million viewers who tuned in to witness the ceremony broadcast in vibrant color by the BBC.

This event was a grand spectacle that showcased the union of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's eldest child with the Distinguished Lieutenant of the First Queen's Dragoon Guards.

At the time, Princess Anne believed she had found her soulmate in Mark.

However, the fairy tale didn't last as long as many hoped.

After nearly two decades of marriage and the joy of welcoming two children—Peter in 1977 and Zara in 1981—the couple announced their separation in 1989.

Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the split, which ended with a rather surprising note: “There are no plans for divorce proceedings.”

This hesitance to formally end their marriage stemmed from the societal and royal stigma surrounding divorce during that era.

Yet, just three years later, in a twist of fate, the palace revealed that Princess Anne had indeed filed for divorce on April 13, 1991, breaking away from her earlier declarations.

The love story of Anne and Mark began in 1968 at a horse-riding event in Mexico City, where their shared passion for equestrianism brought them together.

Five years later, Mark proposed with a stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring crafted by Garrard, setting the stage for their royal wedding.

Their wedding day was a celebration like no other.

Crowds filled the streets to toast the couple, demonstrating the public's affection and support.

The ceremony adhered to royal traditions, culminating in a joyous appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where well-wishers cheered for the newlyweds.

Princess Anne's wedding dress was a vintage masterpiece designed by Maureen Baker, featuring exquisite pearl embroidery, a high neckline, and long sleeves.

The gown's dramatic seven-foot train added to its elegance, while the Queen Mary fringe tiara secured her veil, perfectly complementing her chic chignon hairstyle.

Despite the eventual separation, Anne and Mark maintained a cordial relationship, co-parenting their children and ensuring a stable environment for them.

This amicable arrangement is a testament to their mutual respect, even after their romantic ties had dissolved.

In a remarkable turn of events, Princess Anne married her second husband, Commander Timothy Lawrence, in the same year she finalized her divorce from Mark.

The couple chose a discreet elopement to Scotland, where they exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by just 30 guests at Crithy Kirk near Balmoral Castle.

This low-key wedding was particularly notable because, at that time, the Church of England did not permit divorcees to remarry until a decade later.