Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has four children. The titles and ranks of these children have been a subject of curiosity and discussion. Let's delve into the reasons behind their titles and the royal hierarchy that governs them.
The British royal family's titles and ranks are steeped in history and tradition, dating back centuries. Understanding why Princess Anne's children hold the titles they do requires a brief understanding of the royal family's structure and the rules of succession.
Royal Titles and Succession
The British monarchy follows a strict order of succession, determined by descent, age, and gender. The eldest child of the monarch is typically the heir apparent, and their children follow in line. However, the titles and ranks of other royal family members are not as straightforward.
Royal titles are a complex mix of hereditary and granted titles. Hereditary titles are passed down through the generations, while granted titles are bestowed by the monarch. The titles of Princess Anne's children reflect this complexity.
Hereditary Titles
Princess Anne's first child, Peter Phillips, and his sister Zara Tindall (née Phillips) do not have royal titles. This is because their parents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, chose not to give them titles when they were born. At the time of their births, the Queen had not yet conferred any royal titles on Princess Anne's children.
However, Peter and Zara are still members of the royal family and are entitled to use the style "His/Her Royal Highness" when they are in the presence of the Queen. They have chosen not to use these styles, preferring a more private life.
Granted Titles
Princess Anne's two youngest children, Savannah and Isla Phillips, hold the title of "Lady" due to their father's title. Peter Phillips was granted the title of "Earl of Snowdon" by the Queen in 2017, which means his daughters are styled as "Lady" as daughters of an earl.
This title is a courtesy title, meaning it is not hereditary and will not pass to their children. It is a recognition of their father's title and status within the royal family.
Royal Duties and Public Life
The titles of Princess Anne's children also reflect their roles and duties within the royal family. While Peter and Zara have chosen to lead more private lives, they still undertake royal duties and engagements on behalf of the Queen.
Savannah and Isla, being younger, have not yet taken on royal duties. However, as they grow older, they may choose to follow in their siblings' and cousins' footsteps and undertake royal duties and engagements.
Royal Marriages Act
The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 requires that the first six people in the line of succession to the throne have the sovereign's consent before they can marry. This act has been amended to include all members of the royal family who are under the age of 25.
Princess Anne's children, being further down the line of succession, are not subject to this act. However, their marriages would still be of interest to the public and the royal family.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the British royal family, the titles and roles of Princess Anne's children reflect a blend of tradition, personal choice, and the complex rules of succession. As they grow and take on more public roles, their titles and duties will continue to be a source of interest and discussion.