Princess Anne’s witty 10-word remark about obtaining Queen Elizabeth’s approval for marriage has recently resurfaced. Despite never being in line for the throne, members of the British royal family have historically been required to seek the monarch’s blessing before tying the knot. This custom dates back to an act passed in Parliament in 1772, mandating that no descendant of George II could marry without the reigning monarch’s consent, according to the Express.
The tradition persists today, with King Charles yet to grant permission for any marriages since assuming the throne from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022. During a past interview, Princess Anne, 74, was asked about the difficulty of seeking her late mother’s approval for marriage. Her response was succinct yet humorous: “Not half as difficult as asking permission to get divorced.”
Princess Anne’s first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips took place on November 14, 1973, at Westminster Abbey. Following their divorce in 1992, Princess Anne married her current husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, that same year. The couple exchanged vows in a quiet ceremony at a church near Balmoral, attended by close family members including the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, and Princess Margaret.
Her two children from her first marriage, Peter and Zara Phillips, were present at her second wedding and reportedly share a positive relationship with their stepfather. Princess Anne’s humour and candidness shine through in both her public remarks and personal life, endearing her to many royal enthusiasts.