Princess Anne’s surprising gift could come in handy as she prepares to devote her weekends to her ultimate passion

Princess Anne's surprising gift was one of many clothing items she's received and it's a lovely tribute to one of her most prestigious roles

Princess Anne's surprising gift revealed. Seen here she is the Reviewing Officer during The Sovereign's Parade
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Princess Anne’s surprising gift could come in handy as she prepares to devote her weekends to her ultimate passion.  


The Princess Royal is known for her no-nonsense approach to putting outfits together, often reaching into her wardrobe for old favorites. Princess Anne’s wildly futuristic sunglasses showcased her funky style recently and who could forget Princess Anne’s cozy trapper hat in Estonia? Though she’s also received *quite* the collection of clothing gifts over the years. 

As revealed by the Royal Family website, the King’s sister has been given a cashmere dressing gown, flip flops, leather slippers, a knitted snood, silk scarves and a judo suit known as a “gi”. Though it’s another of Princess Anne's surprising gifts that could come in handy very soon as her weekends will soon be taken over by Six Nations Rugby Championship. 

Princess Anne attends the RBS Six Nations match between France and Scotland

(Image credit: Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

This present was a Scottish rugby kit - the perfect choice given her prestigious position as the national team’s Patron. The annual Six Nations rugby championship in particular wouldn’t be the same without a glimpse of Princess Anne watching in all weathers from the stands, especially if the match is played on home ground at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The 2023 championship kicks off on February 4 and will continue on weekends until the March 18 final.

Princess Anne is not only a prominent supporter of Scottish rugby, but presents the Calcutta Cup to whoever wins each Scotland vs England match. Sadly, it’s unlikely we’ll ever get to see her attend a match in full rugby kit. However, we can live in hope and it was certainly a lovely gesture to the team’s Patron.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal with Scotland captain Jamie Richie as she meets the teams

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The first match for Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations will be against England on February 4 and her position as Scottish rugby Patron places her in direct competition with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union and Kate Middleton unveiled her rugby talent last year after replacing Prince Harry as Patron of the Rugby Football Union - the governing body of English rugby union. 

Whether she watches at home at Gatcombe Park or in person, Princess Anne will no doubt be cheering team Scotland on proudly - even if she doesn’t do so wearing her kit! The Royal Family regularly spend time each year in Scotland and used to spend summers visiting the Queen at Balmoral, where she also passed away last year. 

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne, Princes Royal attend the 2018 Braemar Highland Gathering

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Scotland likely holds many precious memories of Her Majesty for all of her family and Princess Anne’s father Prince Philip, and children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall were all educated at Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland.

Princess Anne also enjoys sailing up the Scottish coast to the most remote areas and seeing wildlife, something she previously discussed with Yachting World.

“[I]t is pretty impressive at certain times of the year,” Princess Anne declared. “particularly up at the northern end, the Cairns of Coll. The northern end is rocky and the southern end is a bit more agricultural and there are lots of geese in the winter. Actually, winter is probably more entertaining – you get snipe and woodcock as well."

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!