In a tale that reads like a royal drama, Princess Anne, the spirited daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has a secret that has remained largely under wraps.
While most people know her as the devoted mother of Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, few are aware that she also has a stepdaughter, born from a controversial affair during her first marriage.
This revelation adds a fascinating layer to the life of the Princess Royal, who is often celebrated for her steadfast dedication to royal duties.
Recently, Princess Anne, now 73, has been in the spotlight, engaging with Gorka staff and their families at Injun Barracks in Gloucestershire.
Known for her tireless work ethic, she is frequently recognized as one of the most industrious members of the royal family.
Her commitment to her responsibilities has earned her admiration from the public, solidifying her status as a beloved figure within the monarchy.
Princess Anne’s personal life is equally intriguing.
She tied the knot with Sir Tim Lawrence, a former Royal Navy officer, in 1992.
However, her two children, Peter and Zara, are from her first marriage to Olympic equestrian champion Mark Phillips.
The couple wed in 1973 after a five-year courtship but eventually divorced in 1989 amid a flurry of relationship troubles.
The drama escalated in 1991 when it was revealed that Phillips had fathered a child with a New Zealand art teacher, Heather Tonkin.
Their daughter, Felicity, born in 1985, was a product of a brief encounter that spiraled into a scandal that rocked the royal family.
The affair began when Phillips met Tonkin at a writing workshop in Auckland, leading to an unexpected turn of events that would haunt the family for years.
Initially, Phillips suggested that Tonkin terminate the pregnancy, but he later opted to provide financial support for Felicity’s upbringing.
However, the truth about Felicity’s existence remained hidden for six long years before DNA tests confirmed her lineage.
This revelation marked one of the most significant scandals in recent royal history, as detailed by the Scottish Daily Express.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her birth, Felicity has never crossed paths with her half-siblings, Zara and Peter.
However, they maintain a cordial relationship with Stephanie Phillips, another half-sister from their father’s second marriage to Sandy Pfluger.
Stephanie even invited Zara and Peter’s children to be flower girls at her wedding, showcasing the family’s ability to unite despite the complexities of their relationships.
The royal family has had its share of challenges, not just in personal affairs but also in their interactions with the public.
A particularly shocking incident occurred in 2003 when one of Princess Anne’s dogs, Dottie, viciously attacked a corgi named Farrow during a Christmas gathering at Sandringham.