The Princess Royal

The Princess Royal. The title of Princess Royal is a prestigious royal style traditionally bestowed upon the eldest daughter of the British monarch. It is an honorary title, held for life, and is not automatically inherited; it is granted at the sovereign's discretion. The current and seventh holder is Anne, Princess Royal, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

History and creation

The title was created by King Charles I, who sought to emulate the French custom of bestowing the title "Madame Royale" upon the eldest royal daughter. He conferred it upon his eldest daughter, Mary, Princess of Orange, in 1642. The title fell into abeyance after her death and was not revived until the reign of King George II, who granted it to his eldest daughter Princess Anne in 1727. The tradition of intermittent bestowal was established, with subsequent grants made during the reigns of King George III, King George V, King George VI, and Elizabeth II. The title is unique within the Commonwealth realms and is distinct from other royal titles such as Princess of Wales.

List of Princesses Royal

There have been seven confirmed Princesses Royal in British history. The first was Mary, Princess of Orange (1631–1660), daughter of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France. The second was Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (1709–1759), daughter of George II and Caroline of Ansbach. The third was Princess Charlotte, Princess Royal (1766–1828), who became Queen of Württemberg, daughter of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The fourth was Princess Victoria, Princess Royal (1840–1901), later German Empress and Queen of Prussia, the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The fifth was Princess Louise, Princess Royal (1867–1931), daughter of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark. The sixth was Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897–1965), daughter of George V and Mary of Teck. The seventh and current holder is Anne, Princess Royal (born 1950).

Role and duties

The role of the Princess Royal is not formally defined by letters patent or statute but is shaped by tradition and personal commitment. The holder typically undertakes a full schedule of royal duties, including patronage of numerous armed forces regiments, charities, and public institutions. For instance, the current Princess Royal is patron of over 300 organizations, including Save the Children, and holds ceremonial military appointments such as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Scots and Royal Logistic Corps. The role often involves extensive overseas travel representing the British monarchy, as seen in the work of Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood with the Red Cross and the current Princess Royal's work with the International Olympic Committee.

Insignia and heraldry

A Princess Royal is entitled to use a personal coat of arms, typically the sovereign's arms differenced by a label of three points. The current Princess Royal's label is charged with a red St George's Cross, a red heart, and a red St George's Cross respectively. She is also entitled to use the Royal Standard in the United Kingdom. As a senior member of the Order of the Garter, she displays the Garter insignia and may use the coronet of a child of the sovereign. Distinctive personal insignia, such as the badge of the Princess Royal's Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, also exist in her honor.

In popular culture

Holders of the title have been depicted in various historical dramas and literature. Princess Victoria, Princess Royal has been portrayed in television series such as *Victoria* and films like *The Young Victoria*. Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood featured in the ITV drama *The Royal House of Windsor*. The current Princess Royal has been the subject of documentaries and is occasionally referenced in media for her equestrian achievements, including competing in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The title itself appears in historical fiction and serves as a symbol of senior royal lineage in works exploring the British royal family.

Category:British princesses by marriage Category:Royal titles