Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence have been married for over three decades after tying the knot in an unconventional, low-key royal wedding in 1992.
The Princess Royal and the retired Navy Officer met while he was serving on the Royal Yacht Britannia and became romantically involved some years after. But when it came to getting married, the pair were forced to travel to Scotland to tie the knot as they were forbidden from getting married in England at the time.
The royal bride had been married before to Mark Phillips in 1973 and the divorce was finalised in early 1992. The Church of England did not permit remarrying, leaving neighbouring Scotland as their only choice.
When Princess Anne married for the second time, she opted for a small celebration with only 30 guests in attendance and chose a simple yet effortlessly chic bridal outfit. See inside one of the most memorable royal weddings…
Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence’s wedding in Scotland…
© Martin Keene – PA ImagesA royal guest list
The tiny guest list included her parents, the late Queen Mother, the late Queen, the late Duke of Edinburgh, her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, as well as her brothers, the then-Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
One the the official photographs from the day shows Princess Anne with her closest family members.
© Photo: RexPrincess Anne’s midi dress
Princess Anne didn’t go for a traditional bridal gown, as she did for her first wedding. Instead, she wore a high-neck midi dress with a white jacket. She accessorised the chic look with black court shoes and her usual beehive.
© Tim GrahamThe ring
The wedding was held on a winter’s day 12 December 1992 after Timothy proposed with a gorgeous cabochon sapphire and diamond ring.
The couple met when Laurence, who was then a commander in the Royal Navy, was serving on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
© Martin Keene – PA Images,GettyTying the knot
As they left the church, traditional bagpipes were playing, a nod to the glorious Scottish setting. She carried a small posy of heather which matched the sprig of flowers in her hair.
Heather symbolises good luck so it’s ideal for wedding day bouquets. Despite it being a quiet royal affair, the crowds still gathered to wish the newlyweds well.
© Alamy Stock PhotoSymbolic touch
Steeped in Scottish folklore, white heather is a symbol of good luck, protection, and purity, due to being far less common than the purple variety. Tradition dictates that carrying a sprig will safeguard the bearer and bring their deepest wishes to fruition.
The Princess Royal was pictured in the back of the car with a shawl wrapped around her for extra warmth, no doubt serving to shield her bridal look from the photographers.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesFamily affair
Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother looked delighted as they left the church following the service. This beautiful photo showcased the royals smiling following the moving ceremony, looking so proud.
The late monarch was clad in emerald green while her mother opted for a matching royal blue ensemble. Both eye-catching ensembles were set off by statement hats.
© Max Mumby/Indigo,GettyHappily ever after
Princess Anne and husband Timothy now live together on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, along with their daughter Zara who lives with her husband Mike Tindall and their three children, Mia, 12, Lena, eight, and Lucas, five.
Princess Anne’s son Peter is now believed to live in a separate property on the grounds after he and his ex-wife Autumn Phillips separated in 2021.
The former couple share daughters, Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14. Peter has since found love with NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, whom he married in a beautiful Cotswolds ceremony last weekend.
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