While many around the world will no doubt celebrate Princess Anne’s upcoming 75th birthday on August 15, The Royal Mint is going a step further by marking the occasion with a commemorative coin.
This marks the first time The Princess Royal has been featured on an official UK coin — a tribute to her extraordinary dedication to the monarchy and public service.
The coin was designed by renowned artist Thomas T. Docherty, the same designer behind HRH The Prince of Wales’s 40th birthday coin. His latest creation features a portrait of Princess Anne based on an official image by celebrated photographer John Swannell, a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. The portrait shows Her Royal Highness wearing the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara — a delicate piece created by Cartier — adding a touch of regal elegance.
Encircling the design is a fitting inscription: “The Princess Royal – Celebrating 75 Years – Duty and Devotion.” To the right of the portrait sits The Princess Royal’s official Coat of Arms, symbolising her unique role within the Royal Family.
Speaking about the project, Docherty said it was “an honour to create this commemorative coin celebrating The Princess Royal’s 75th birthday.”
“In designing this piece, I wanted to capture Her Royal Highness’s remarkable legacy and dedication to public service,” he said.
“The portrait reflects her strength of character and unwavering commitment to duty. Being Scottish, I admire The Princess Royal’s dedication to Scottish organisations and communities, and I hope this coin serves as a fitting tribute.”
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, echoed his sentiments.
“For the first time in British numismatic history, we are honoured to celebrate The Princess Royal on an official UK coin,” she said.
“Her Royal Highness’s unwavering commitment to public service, charitable work, and support of His Majesty’s Armed Forces over seven and a half decades makes her truly deserving of this tribute.
“The graceful design by Thomas Docherty perfectly captures both her dignified presence and extraordinary legacy while also celebrating The Princess Royal’s 75th birthday.”
The honour comes on the heels of another impressive achievement: Princess Anne recently secured the title of hardest working member of the Royal Family for the fourth consecutive year, having completed 217 engagements in 2024.
The numbers were tallied by Reboot Online after analysing the Court Circular, as per GB News.
Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, King Charles followed closely behind his sister in second place with 186 engagements throughout the year.
Surprisingly, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, claimed third place with 126 royal engagements in 2024. Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, took fourth place with 124 engagements, while his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, came in fifth with 108.
Queen Camilla completed 95 engagements, taking sixth place.
The Prince and Princess of Wales understandably carried out fewer engagements given Catherine’s battle with cancer. With Prince William’s focus on family, he completed 71 engagements, while Catherine managed 11 as she prioritised her health.