The Queen’s only daughter was known mainly for her show-jumping exploits and feisty behaviour when she announced her engagement to fellow show-jumper and army officer Captain Mark Phillips. Despite her plea for a quiet affair, Anne’s wedding took place at Westminster Abbey and the entire ceremony, apart from the exchanging of rings, was beamed live to millions of television viewers around the world.
The Princess, then 23, wore a white, high-necked gown embroidered with pearls. Her pure silk gauze train was carried by Prince Edward and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. As she left the church, more than 45,000 spectators were waiting to cheer her and her new (untitled) husband back to the Palace for a reception.
The couple, who have two children – Zara, 23, and Peter, 27 – divorced in 1992..
