Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023

The Princess Royal has been awarded a new military role in recognition of her strong links to Scotland.

The King has appointed his younger sister Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson says the appointment is to recognise Her Royal Highness’s strong links to Scotland, and her existing links with the Regiment as Colonel-in-Chief of both 1st Battalion The Ranger Regiment and 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The King himself becomes Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, taking over the role left vacant by his mother’s death.

It was in Scotland in September 2022 where Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle, with Princess Anne accompanying her mother on her final journey back to England and Buckingham Palace.

Her Royal Highness accompanied the hearse as it travelled through rural Aberdeenshire, down to Edinburgh, before departing via aircraft to London some days after.

Princess Anne was widely praised for how she handled herself after the death of her mother, with HRH having to grieve in public whilst understanding the need to be seen.

Her new military role is one of a number of appointments The King has made to mark his Accession, almost a year on from the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

His Majesty has also awarded new roles to other members of his family, including Queen Camilla, the Prince & Princess of Wales, the Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester.

The appointments are a clear sign that the close relationship between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family will continue in His Majesty’s reign.