Princess Anne's Relationships: What to Know About Her Marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence—And Her 6 Past Romances

As the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne's personal life has been under a microscope her entire life. Since her birth in 1950, the press and public have followed her public outings, career as an equestrian, and, of course, her romantic relationships. However, even though the princess is currently married to Sir Timothy Laurence, a retired officer from the Royal Navy, he wasn't her first love. In 1970, Anne was briefly tied to Andrew Parker Bowles—before she eventually tied the knot with Captain Mark Phillips. Yet, after two children and almost two decades of marriage, Mark and Anne ultimately filed for divorce. That same year, the princess said "I do" to Timothy, her second husband, in a small, intimate ceremony in Scotland.

Here, we break down everything to know about Anne's romantic relationships—from her brief teenage loves with Gerald Ward and Sandy Harper to her current marriage with Timothy. Read on for everything you need to know.

Princess Anne's Early Loves

Anne's teenage loves reportedly included Gerald Ward, who went on to become Prince Harry's godfather, and Sandy Harper, a polo player. Anne was also linked to the Earl of Caithness, who was the same age as her brother Charles, and Brian Alexander. None of these relationships lasted long enough to be consider particularly significant.

The princess, an avid rider and accomplished equestrian, fell for Olympic equestrian Richard Meade when she was in her late teens or early twenties, but the romance was not meant to be. The Daily Express reported that Prince Philip disapproved of the 12-year age difference between his daughter and Meade, which led to their eventual split.

Princess Anne's Relationship With Andrew Parker Bowles

While many people know of the love triangle between Charles, Princess Diana, and Camilla Parker Bowles, few may be aware that before that dynamic emerged, Anne was in "a love square" with Charles, Camilla, and Andrew Parker Bowles. In 1970, Anne and Andrew had their first date at the Royal Ascot at Windsor Castle, according to Elle. However, while the pair subsequently dated, they ultimately broke things off. While they never publicly clarified the reason for their breakup, it likely was due to his religion; since Andrew was Catholic, he wouldn't have been permitted to marry into the royal family. Andrew later tied the knot with Camilla in 1973. However, he and Anne remained close in the following years.

Princess Anne's Relationship With Captain Mark Phillips

While Anne had a number of romantic relationships prior to meeting her first husband, her dynamic with Captain Mark Phillips was the one that ultimately resulted in her walking down the aisle. Read on for everything to know about the pair's dynamic.

1968: Meeting in Mexico City

Anne and Mark initially met because of their love of horses; both were accomplished equestrians. They were introduced at an event in Mexico City. However, we know that it took a bit of time before the two officially started dating, as Anne was linked to Andrew in 1970.

May 29, 1973: A Marriage Proposal

On May 29, 1973, Mark proposed to the princess with a sapphire and diamond engagement ring. After announcing their engagement, the two were asked, "Do you think the marriage can withstand the enormous pressures of public duty and publicity that you have to endure?" To which Anne replied, "Can? It's got to, hasn't it?”

November 14, 1973: A Royal Wedding

Anne was the first of her royal siblings to get married. She and Mark tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in a televised ceremony watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world. The affair was also a historical one, as it was the first royal wedding to be broadcast in color. Approximately 1,500 guests attended the pair's nuptials in person.

For the occasion, the bride wore a simple yet impactful white high-neck gown with long trumpet sleeves and a seven-foot train. Perched atop her updo was the same headpiece her mother, Queen Elizabeth, wore at her wedding in 1947: Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara. She completed her look with a bouquet of white roses and large diamond cluster earrings. 

1977-1981: Welcoming Two Children

In the years following their big day, the couple had two children together. They welcomed their son, Peter Phillips, in 1977 and daughter, Zara Phillips Tindall, in 1981. 

1989: Separation

Following the birth of their second child, the couple reportedly started to drift apart. Eventually, news broke that Mark had fathered a child with Heather Tonkin, a New Zealand art teacher, in 1985. Anne and Mark ultimately announced their separation in 1989.

1992: Divorce

The two officially divorced in 1992 after nearly 20 years of marriage.

Princess Anne's Relationship With Sir Timothy Laurence

While Anne and Mark's marriage may not have been a long-lasting partnership, her current union with Sir Timothy Laurence spans over 30 years. Read on for everything to know about the princess's husband.

1986: First Meeting

While Anne and Mark didn't officially divorce until 1992, she started seeing her second husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, a naval officer, prior to their split. According to People, the two began exchanging letters while the princess was still married, spurring rumors of an extramarital relationship between the pair. After the pieces of correspondence were stolen, Buckingham Palace released a statement on them, saying, "We have nothing to say about the contents of personal letters sent to Her Royal Highness by a friend which were stolen and which are the subject of a police investigation."

1992: Proposal

The two lovers kept their relationship private following Anne's divorce. They were rarely photographed or seen together. However, Timothy ultimately proposed shortly after her official split from Mark. When he popped the question, he gave Anne a cabochon sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

December 12, 1992: An Intimate Royal Wedding

In December 1992, Timothy and Anne tied the knot. However, the pair had to marry in Scotland since the Church of England did not allow remarriages after divorce. For the ceremony, the princess wore a simple, elegant white suit and added a small spray of flowers to her hair in lieu of a veil. They kept the guest list small and intimate, inviting just a few members of the royal family.