Princess Anne was the first of the late Queen Elizabeth’s four children to marry – and, less than two decades later, she was also the first to get divorced. 

The Princess Royal, now 75, announced her engagement to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. They would later separate in 1989 and officially divorce in 1992 after reports of affairs on both sides. 

But signs of the pressure of a royal marriage were already present in their public engagement interview, when Anne showed the world a glimpse of her Garrard sapphire and diamond ring. 

The couple was asked: “Do you think the marriage can withstand the enormous pressures of public duty and publicity that you have to endure?”

Captain Mark replied: “I think we’ve withstood a great deal already this year.” However, Anne retorted: “Can? It’s got to, hasn’t it?”

The former couple married at Westminster Cathedral later that year in front of millions, before welcoming two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall. 

The official statement

In 1989, Buckingham Palace shared the official confirmation that Anne and Captain Mark would be separating, but said there were no plans for divorce.

The statement read: “Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, and Capt. Mark Phillips have decided to separate on terms agreed between them. There are no plans for divorce proceedings.”

However, Anne, who is now married to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, filed for divorce on April 13, 1991. 

The decision came when divorce was still a topic surrounded by much stigma within the royal family, meaning Anne and Sir Tim eloped to Scotland for a private ceremony with only 30 guests at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle. 

In 2015, Mark made rare comments about his ex-wife, telling the Daily Mail that they “get on great”. 

Mark also has two daughters outside his marriage to Princess Anne: Felicity Tonkin, shared with New Zealand art teacher Heather Tonkin, and Stephanie Phillips, from his second marriage to Sandy Pflueger. 

A rare public appearance

Captain Mark made a rare public appearance at the weekend as he resurfaced to support his son Peter at his wedding to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling at All Saints’ Church in Gloucestershire. 

The former Olympian, 77, was seen sheltering from the rain under an umbrella, with his glasses and a blue tie around his neck.

He was reportedly joined by his rumoured girlfriend, Florence Standaert, according to society bible, Tatler. 

Mark and Florence have never confirmed they are in a relationship, but have been pictured together at high-profile events since 2022, when they were first spotted together at Burghley Horse Trials.