Buckingham Palace Issues Correction Following Princess Anne Fact Error

Buckingham Palace faced scrutiny after a factual error was published regarding Princess Anne in a celebratory article marking her 75th birthday. The piece, which appeared on the official royal website, included a list of notable facts about the Princess Royal but mistakenly stated that she has two stepchildren from her marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence. This information was incorrect, as Sir Timothy, whom Princess Anne married in 1992, has no children from previous relationships.

The erroneous claim was number 14 in the list, suggesting that Princess Anne’s stepchildren were named Tom and Amy Laurence. In reality, the Princess Royal has two children—Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall—from her first marriage to Mark Phillips, which ended in divorce in the same year she wed Sir Timothy. The article was swiftly removed after royal enthusiasts pointed out the mistake.

While the source of the misinformation remains unclear, it has been noted that a similar error had been reported by Woman & Home magazine in the past. A palace source told the Daily Mail, “The facts were checked, and that one was a late addition, sourced from a reputable publication online, which unfortunately wasn’t put back through the checking process. There was no AI sourcing on our part.”

The article contained various facts celebrating Princess Anne’s achievements and milestones. For instance, it noted her birth on August 15, 1950, at Clarence House and highlighted her extensive charity work with over 400 organizations worldwide. Moreover, she has completed an impressive 562 overseas trips, representing every continent.

Some of the notable accomplishments mentioned include her becoming the first member of the royal family to appear on a television quiz show, BBC’s A Question of Sport, and her participation in the Olympic Games as part of the British Equestrian team in 1976. The article also referenced her being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by the President of Zambia in 1990.

In celebration of her 75th birthday, Princess Anne hosted more than 100 representatives from the charities she supports at a reception at Buckingham Palace. This was in lieu of any grand public celebration, as she prefers to focus on her charitable commitments. A silver coin commemorating her birthday has also been issued, featuring her likeness along with the inscription “The Princess Royal. Celebrating 75 years. Duty and devotion.”

Princess Anne is expected to mark her birthday by sailing around Scotland with her husband for ten days, returning to her royal duties shortly afterward. Her commitment to her role within the Royal Family remains steadfast, and she has no plans for retirement, aiming to follow in the footsteps of her late father, Prince Philip.

Following the recent media attention, royal watchers have speculated that Princess Anne could play an important role in any discussions between her brother, King Charles, and her nephew, Prince Harry. A source mentioned that Anne has valuable insights regarding her experiences as a member of the royal family, particularly regarding the challenges faced by those further down the line of succession.

The Princess Royal’s remarkable dedication to her work and public service continues to inspire many, and her recent recovery from an injury sustained in June 2022, when she was kicked in the head by a horse, further illustrates her resilience. After being treated for a concussion, she returned to her duties within weeks, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her royal responsibilities.

As Princess Anne celebrates this significant milestone, her legacy as a hardworking and devoted member of the royal family remains clear, with many looking forward to her continued contributions in the years ahead.