30 years on: A look back at Princess Anne’s no-fuss, low key second wedding

As many around the world gears up to celebrate Christmas, Princess Anne has celebrated her own special occasion, that of her 30th wedding anniversary with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

The couple exchanged vows on December 12, 1992, and in stark contrast to other royal weddings that are often met with immense pageantry,  the pair enjoyed an intimate ceremony at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral.

The decision to have a more toned down ceremony was due to the the Church of England’s disapproval of remarriage, as Princess Anne had previously been married to Mark Phillips, the former couple tied the on November 14 1973 at Westminster Abbey.

They announced their separation in 1989 with the divorce finalising in 1992, they share two children together, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.

Anne had met Sir Timony the same year she and Mark separated. Timothy was a commander in the Royal Navy and served on the Royal Yacht Britannia before his appointment as an equerry to the Queen.

It is understood that the couple had developed a private relationship during this time. Three years later after Anne and Mark legally divorced, Timothy proposed.

According to The Crown Chronicles, the Princess received a sapphire engagement ring “flanked by three small diamonds on each side, set on a yellow gold band”.

Per the publication, the simple ring is “well-suited to the no-nonsense, low-maintenance Royal”.

Unlike her first wedding in Westminster Abbey, Princess Anne’s second wedding had just 30 guests in attendance, which included her parents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, both her children, King Charles and Prince Andrew.

For their nuptials, Anne chose to do away with a traditional bridal gown and instead wore a high neck, silk dress paired with a white jacket.

She finished off her wedding day look with a pair of black boots and bouquet which featured heathers that she also wore in her hair.

Much like their private and intimate ceremony, the couple continues to live a private life on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. For the most part, Princess Anne has remained outside the British tabloids and has been recognised as one of the British royal family’s most hard-working member.

Since the death of the Queen in September, Princess Anne has been by her mother’s side all the way to her funeral and has continued to pay tribute to her late mother as she carries on more royal duties.