Did Princess Anne Serve In The Military? A Detailed Overview

Princess Anne has been in the public eye since the day she was born. The second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, she has a long history of royal service. But what many people may not know is that Princess Anne also had a long career in the military. From her career in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) to her current appointment as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Princess Anne has been an active and dedicated member of the military for almost five decades. In this article, we’ll take a look at Princess Anne’s remarkable military service, from her early days in the WRNS to her current role in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. We’ll look at her achievements, her commitment to duty, and her legacy of service. So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve in the military as a member of the Royal Family, read on to find out!

Did Princess Anne Serve In The Military?

Yes, Princess Anne did serve in the military! Princess Anne is the only member of the British Royal Family to have served in the Armed Forces and held an active rank. Princess Anne joined the Royal Navy in January 1969, aged 18, and trained for nine months at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. During her training, she not only met the required physical and academic standards but also qualified as a helicopter pilot.

Early Career In The Wrns

Princess Anne joined the WRNS in 1973, just like many of her female relatives before her. She had previously studied at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, where she obtained her degree in marine biology. While there, she completed a four-month-long training course that prepared her for work in the WRNS.

Her early career in the WRNS included work as a hydrographer, which involved the creation and maintenance of navigational charts. She also served as an instructor at the WRNS Training Centre in Scarborough.

As a member of the WRNS, Princess Anne was assigned the military rank of sub-lieutenant, the equivalent of an army second lieutenant. The uniform she wore as a member of the WRNS was very similar to the uniforms worn by the men in the Royal Navy.

Achievements In The Wrns

As a member of the WRNS, Princess Anne achieved many notable achievements. In 1979, she was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, the equivalent of an army captain. She became the first woman to command a ship in the Royal Navy when she was given command of the WRNS training ship HMS Amazon.

She was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander when she took command of the Amazon. Later in 1979, she became the first woman to serve on a British warship since World War II when she served aboard the frigate HMS Chevron.

She temporarily left the WRNS in 1981 when she was appointed to the Royal Navy’s warship command. She rejoined the WRNS in 1983. In 1986, Princess Anne was promoted to commander, the equivalent of a colonel in the army. She was one of only a few women who were promoted to the commander at the time. She retired from the WRNS in 1989.

Colonel-In-Chief Of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps

Princess Anne became Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2004. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, she is the honorary head of the Corps. Her role includes visiting locations all over the world where members of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps are stationed.

She also makes public appearances in support of the Corps’ work. Princess Anne’s work as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps has included visits to Afghanistan, Kenya, Belize, and other countries.

Her work has helped to bring attention to the important work of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and she has received much praise for her dedication and commitment.

Achievements In The Royal Army Veterinary Corps

As a member of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Princess Anne has achieved many notable achievements. In 2007, she became the first serving member of the Royal Family to visit the Arctic when she visited British Army personnel stationed on the Arctic Convoys.

She served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army from 2002 to 2006. As Commander-in-Chief, she was the head of all military operations.

She has also been awarded several medals for her service and achievements, including the Arctic Emblem for her Arctic Convoys visit, the Golden Jubilee Medal for her service to the British Monarch, the Long Service Medal, and the Army Service Medal.

Commitment To Duty

Princess Anne’s commitment to duty goes back to her early days in the WRNS. At a time when there were many who questioned whether women could be trusted with military service, Princess Anne went out of her way to prove her worth.

She was the first woman to undergo Royal Navy training and to serve on Royal Navy warships. Princess Anne continued this commitment to duty when she became Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Princess Anne declared that she was ready to do whatever it took to help protect the people of the United Kingdom and its interests. After the British invaded Iraq in 2003, Princess Anne led the British Army’s military efforts in the region. She was in charge of all military operations until 2006 when she was replaced by General Sir Richard Dannatt.

Legacy Of Service

Princess Anne has a long and detailed history of royal service. As second in line to the throne, she has always been expected to serve in some capacity. But a princess is expected to do more than simply attend events and sign autographs.

Princess Anne has always been one to go above and beyond expectations, serving in the military as a member of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

It is this dedication to duty and willingness to go the extra mile that makes Princess Anne someone to admire and someone who has left a lasting impact on the British military. Princess Anne has a long and detailed history of royal service.

As second in line to the throne, she has always been expected to serve in some capacity. But a princess is expected to do more than simply attend events and sign autographs. Princess Anne has always been one to go above and beyond expectations, serving in the military as a member of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

It is this dedication to duty and willingness to go the extra mile that makes Princess Anne someone to admire and someone who has left a lasting impact on the British military.