deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.)

Anne, Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise; born 15 August 1950), is a member of the British royal family. She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the only sister of King Charles III. Anne was born third in the line of succession to the British throne and is now 18th, and has been, since 1987, Princess Royal, a title held for life.

Anne was born at 11:50 a.m. BST on 15 August 1950 at Clarence House during the reign of her maternal grandfather, King George VI. She is the second child and only daughter of Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (later Queen Elizabeth II), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 

Anne became a respected equestrian, winning one gold medal in 1971 and two silver medals in 1975 at the European Eventing Championships. In 1976, she became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games. In 1988, the Princess Royal became a member of the International Olympic Committee

Anne has been called the royal family’s “trustiest anchor” and a “beacon of good, old-fashioned public service”, having carried out more than 20,000 engagements since her 18th birthday. In her early years she was given the nickname, ‘Her royal rudeness’. She had her father’s sharp tongue and was not afraid to express her honest opinion. Her royal rudeness is now one of Britain’s most popular royals.Telegraph editor Camilla Tominey called her a “national treasure”, writing that she is “hailed as one of the great English eccentrics”, whose work ethic contributes to her regard.

She knew she was royalty and took serving others seriously. She was often referred to as the ‘most royal of the royal family.

Anne’s most dramatic moment came on March 20, 1974. She was on her way back to Buckingham Palace from a charity event with her new husband, the second one-a ‘commoner’, when a mentally ill man halted the limousine by stopping in front of it. He jumped out of his car and began firing his gun at the car. In those days the security for the Royal Family was only one person. The security leaped out of the limo and the gunman eventually shot him 3 times.

The driver of the limo was shot. Through shot out windows the gunman shouted for Anne to get out of the car because he was going to kidnap her for a ransom of $2 million pounds. The assailant shouted again, ‘Get out of the car.’ Here the true Anne responded “Not bloody likely”. And, “I don’t have $2 million pounds”

A man driving by noticed the scene and the royal emblem on the limo. He was a 6’4” former boxer. He rushed over and punched the gunman in the back of the head, then hit him again in the face. Police had finally arrived and the gunman, weapon still pointed, is now confronted by Princess Anne who screams: ‘Go ahead, do what you came for’. With this the man drops the gun and runs away. He is later apprehended.

A royal not to be messed with. Happy birthday Princess.