Princess Anne’s private secretary, Colonel John Boyd, has delivered a rare statement ahead of a milestone occasion.

Speaking during an event at Buckingham Palace, Col Boyd spoke about the Princess Royal’s 75th birthday, which she will celebrate in August.

The event at the palace saw representatives from more than 100 charities that Princess Anne has been involved in invited, for a celebratory reception, which HRH also attended.

Addressing the attendees, Col Boyd said he understood there had been “a significant amount of interest” in his principal’s milestone birthday; which she will celebrate on August 15.

He said: “As you are aware, the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages.

“It probably won’t come as a surprise, given HRH’s commitment to you all, that the way the princess wants to celebrate this milestone is to replicate what she’s done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum… to once again understand how she can help you, at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.”

Princess Anne affirmed this, saying “You very kindly asked me to become patron of your organisations, so it’s an honour for me to have all of you here.”

It is perhaps little surprise that the hardworking Princess will be spending her birthday celebrating others, and promoting the work of the many charities that she is involved in.

Colonel John Boyd became private secretary to the Princess Royal in 2024 after serving in the British Army for 32 years.

The role of private secretary is to act as a senior adviser – both managing the royal diary, and accompanying the royal on their engagements.

Col Boyd recently returned from a short visit to Barbados alongside the princess.