In a moment of pure, unscripted royal theatre, the unflappable Princess Anne demonstrated why she remains one of the monarchy's most astute members during this year's Order of the Garter ceremony.
The Princess Royal, known for her no-nonsense approach and impeccable dedication to duty, was captured in a fleeting but telling moment of sudden realisation. As she processed alongside her brother, King Charles III, and other senior royals through the hallowed grounds of Windsor Castle, a crucial detail snapped into focus.
A Veteran's Instinct
With decades of royal service under her belt, Princess Anne's expertise in ceremonial protocol is second to none. Her sharp eye detected the absence of the Queen's Company Colour—the regimental flag of the Grenadier Guards—which traditionally leads the procession on Garter Day. This standard was notably missing, a break with centuries of tradition.
Eyebrows were raised and a quick, knowing glance was exchanged between the Princess and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. The silent communication spoke volumes, a testament to their shared understanding of royal formalities.
The Significance of the Omission
The Queen's Company Colour holds profound symbolic importance. As the monarch's personal guard, the Grenadier Guards' flag typically leads the way as a mark of respect. Its absence this year did not go unnoticed by the keen-eyed Princess, highlighting her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to upholding royal customs.
This year's ceremony was particularly poignant, being only the second presided over by King Charles III. The presence of key working royals, including the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh, underscored the continuity of the ancient tradition, even amidst a slimmed-down monarchy.
The entire event, from the lavish procession in plumed hats and velvet robes to the service within St George's Chapel, was a spectacle of British pageantry at its finest, yet it was Princess Anne's quick reaction that provided the most human and relatable moment of the day.
