How Princess Anne’s arrival was announced to the world

The Princess Royal has become a steady force in the Royal Family, known for her dedication to the Crown and continual service. However, her birth was relatively quiet compared to that of her elder brother. 

Princess Anne, born the daughter of an heir

The then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip had started their family on 14 November 1948 when their son and eldest child, Prince Charles was born at Buckingham Palace. The small family lived at Clarence House where they were making themselves at home. 

Charles was not meant to be an only child, though. 

Elizabeth would give birth to all three of her sons at Buckingham Palace, the heart of the monarchy in London. A surgical suite would be set up with doctors attending her at the palace. However, the future monarch’s second child was not born at Buckingham Palace. 

Born on a date that resonated

On 15 August, 1950, Princess Elizabeth gave birth to her only daughter at Clarence House and on a date that resonated with millions. Anne was born on the fifth anniversary of VJ Day. 

The baby was reportedly exactly six pounds and was born at 11:50am BST. 

As befitting the granddaughter of a monarch, a 21-gun salute in Hyde Park officially marked Princess Anne’s birth. At the time, there was no gold easel at the front of Buckingham Palace to announce royal births. Instead, a note that the Duchess of Edinburgh, as Elizabeth II was then known, was attached to a board at the Home Office.

The young princess was christened on 21 October at Buckingham Palace, in the Music Room, and her full name is Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise The happy family event was well attended, with four generations there to celebrate: Queen Mary, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and Prince Charles and Princess Anne.