Princess Anne, who turns 75 today, has a strict self-imposed rule that the Royal Family must follow: she only celebrates birthdays that end in a zero. According to royal expert Roya Nikkhah, the Princess Royal's policy is 'no-frills' for birthdays with a five, reserving festivities for major milestones.
As a result, Anne's 75th birthday will be a low-key affair, with no balloons, cake, or fanfare from the Firm. Instead, she marked the occasion earlier this year by hosting a forum at Buckingham Palace for representatives from over 300 charities she supports.
Anne's last major birthday celebration was for her 70th in 2020, which was scaled down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Originally planned as a gathering hosted by her mother, Queen Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace, it was replaced by a sailing trip around the west coast of Scotland with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. The late Queen later held a secret, socially-distanced lunch at Frogmore House.
Looking ahead, Anne plans to start winding down her royal duties after her 80th birthday in 2030, with a goal to step back completely at 90, following the example of her father, Prince Philip, who retired at 96.
