Princess Anne is a much loved and admired member of the royal family, in no small part thanks to her witty retorts and no-nonsense approach.
And even on the eve of a great historical event, she remains resolutely practical. Anne was given a significant role at the coronation of her brother, King Charles.
The Princess Royal is set to be Charles’ Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, who is entrusted with the monarch’s personal safety.
She will ride on horseback behind King Charles and Queen Camilla’s carriage following their coronation at Westminster Abbey and will then lead 6,000 armed services personnel through the streets of London.
The procession, which will also include other members of the royal family, will travel back to Buckingham Palace, where select family members will appear on the balcony and greet the cheering crowds below.
In a recent interview with CBC, Anne was asked about her role – and her response was priceless.
“Is there something we should be looking for, for those of us watching during the coronation? Some of the details are yet to be released,” correspondent Adrienne Arsenault asked during the sit-down, filmed at St. James’s Palace.
“No, I’m waiting to be told. I haven’t asked too many questions,” Princess Anne replied with a laugh.
“I have a role as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals in the Household Cavalry regiment as Gold Stick [in Waiting]. And Gold Stick was the original close protection officer.
“So that is a role I was asked if I’d like to do for this coronation, so I said yes. Not least of all, it solves my dress problem.”
The tradition of the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting role dates back to the 15th century when two rods made of gold and silver would be placed by the monarch to protect them from danger.
