A Lasting Partnership: Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has been a prominent figure in the British royal family for decades. Alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, she has remained one of the most active and visible members of the royal family. Their marriage, which has lasted over 30 years, is a testament to their enduring partnership and commitment.
Laurence was Anne’s second husband, and their relationship was not without its challenges. Prior to marrying Laurence, Anne was married to Mark Phillips, with whom she had two children, Peter and Zara. However, their marriage faced difficulties, including rumors of infidelity on both sides. As part of the royal family, marriage was often viewed as a duty rather than a romantic endeavor, and the Church of England traditionally did not allow second marriages following a divorce. Despite these obstacles, Anne fought to be allowed to marry Laurence, and their union ultimately proved to be a strong and lasting one.
Who Is Timothy Laurence?
Timothy Laurence comes from a long line of naval officers. Born in March 1955, he was the son of Guy Stewart, a naval commander, and Barbara Alison Laurence. His early education included a naval scholarship that allowed him to attend Durham University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geography.
Laurence joined the Royal Navy in 1973 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1977, he was promoted to lieutenant, and by 1995, he became a captain, commanding several ships, including the HMS Cumberland and the HMS Montrose. He also worked closely with the UK Ministry of Defense and held positions within the Secretary of State for Defense and the Strategic Defense Review. In 2004, he was promoted to rear admiral and later to vice admiral in 2007. Laurence retired from the military in August 2011, and that same year, Queen Elizabeth II honored him with the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
How Did They Meet?
Laurence’s frequent interactions with the royal family began when he served as a navigating officer on the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia. While it is possible they met aboard the yacht, this has never been confirmed. In 1986, Laurence was assigned as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth, a role similar to that of a royal assistant. By 1989, he had developed a close friendship with Princess Anne, serving as one of three trustees for the Princess Anne’s Charities trust.
Their relationship took a public turn in 1989 when personal letters between the pair were stolen and sent to the tabloid The Sun. Rather than publishing the letters, the newspaper handed them over to the authorities at Scotland Yard. Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming that the letters were written by Laurence and had been stolen.
When Did They Get Married?
After Anne’s divorce from Mark Phillips in 1992, she and Laurence married on December 12, 1992, in a Presbyterian ceremony near Balmoral. This was Laurence’s first marriage, while Anne had previously been married. Due to religious restrictions, they could not be married in the Church of England. Their wedding was attended by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Prince Edward, and Anne’s children, Peter and Zara.
Public Appearances and Family Life
Throughout their marriage, Princess Anne and Laurence have been consistently present at royal events. Though they do not have biological children together, Laurence has been a devoted stepfather to Anne’s children from her first marriage. They are frequently seen supporting Zara Tindall, who has become a successful equestrian, including at events like the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.
The couple has also been involved in major royal events, such as the State Banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron in July 2025. Laurence has stood by Anne during significant moments, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and the weddings of Zara and Peter Phillips.
In 2022, during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Laurence was invited to join the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony—a rare honor for someone not born into the royal family. This recognition highlighted his long-standing support for Princess Anne in her official duties.
