Royal Central - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
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As King Charles opened Parliament for the first time under his reign, his sister, The Princess Royal exercised a special role – that of ‘Gold-Stick-in-Waiting.’
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The role is that of a ceremonial bodyguard to the sovereign and is considered an honour. As the King and Queen Camilla left Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, Princess Anne traveled behind them in a separate carriage.
The Princess Royal has held the honorary position for several years but it’s only recently that it has come to prominence.
On Coronation Day, Princess Anne exercised the same role and rode at the head of the Procession taking King Charles and Queen Camilla back to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey.
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During the State Opening, Princess Anne was present as King Charles addressed House of Lords where he delivered a speech outlining the Government’s legislative plans for the session ahead.
Princess Anne had joined their late mother, Queen Elizabeth II for a number of State Openings when she was younger but this marked the first time she entered the chamber alongside the monarch since 1985.
In the reign of King Charles III, The Princess, like many other members of the royal family has taken on new titles and roles. In November 2022, she was appointed again as Counsellor of State alongside her younger brother, Prince Edward.