Princess Anne’s unconventional wish for her children left Queen Elizabeth II feeling ‘anxious’
Princess Anne is known for doing things her own way...
Princess Anne has often been described as Queen Elizabeth II’s most rebellious child – even when it came to making decisions about her own children.
The Princess Royal, 74, made a very unconventional decision when she welcomed her children. Something that would make their lives very different to other members of The Firm.
Why do Princess Anne’s children have no titles?
Princess Anne’s decision came immediately after she gave birth to her first child, a son, Peter, in 1977.
It was here she decided that Peter would not be given a royal title.
Royal author Brian Hoey wrote in his biography of Princess Anne that she made this choice as she believed “in this day and age a title would be more of a hindrance than an advantage as her children try to make their way in the world”.
He also described how Queen Elizabeth II reluctantly agreed to Anne’s request, but that she had been “anxious” to give her first born grandson a title.
According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the queen was left disappointed by Anne’s decision, but nevertheless agreed.
Following his birth, Anne was quick to return to work. This meant Peter was largely brought up by a nanny.
Peter and later Zara, Anne’s second child, went to Gordonstoun, the same public school as their grandfather, Prince Philip.
The upbringing of Princess Anne’s children
Hoey detailed that Peter’s upbringing was “not exactly a run-of-the-mill commoner”. In fact, he still enjoyed the benefits of being part of the royal family.
When Anne welcomed Zara in 1981, she decided again not to give her a royal title. She also broke convention by giving her a more unusual name, rather than a traditional one typical of the royals.
This time around, Anne was very involved with raising Zara and her daughter was said to have been “never very far from Anne’s side”.
Although Peter and Zara haven’t necessarily had a “normal” life, they have seemed to enjoy the best of both worlds.
While their cousins continue their roles as working royals, Peter and Zara have enjoyed successful careers without the responsibility of a title.
Peter Phillip’s career
From 2000, Peter worked in Formula One first for Jaguar as a corporate hospitality manager. He later worked for Williams racing team as a sponsorship accounts manager.
Peter eventually left F1 in 2006 for a job at the Royal Bank of Scotland. He left the bank in 2012 and has had numerous other private sector jobs.
Zara Tindall’s equestrian career
Zara has also had a successful career. She is an Olympic equestrian, with her career hitting a high point when she represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.
It was here she won a silver medal in the equestrian team eventing.
Although both Peter and Zara have had successful careers in their own right, this doesn’t mean they haven’t capitalised off being known as members of the royal family.
For example, at his wedding to his now-ex-wife Autumn Kelly, Peter Phillips sold Hello! the exclusive rights to picture their big day.
The publication flaunted a 100-page exclusive feature, which included candid shots of the royals and a generous payday for Peter and Autumn.
Read more: Unexpected reason King Charles has two birthdays every year
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