Princess Anne 'tough and dignified' amid confusion over uniform

Princess Anne has been described 'tough and dignified' by fans amid confusion over her wearing a full Royal Navy uniform at the State Funeral of The Queen - despite her never giving active service.

Rather than dressing head to toe in black as is customary for funerals, the Princess Royal, 72, was the picture of poise in her full Royal Navy ceremonial uniform as she took part in the sombre occasion, proudly displaying her 11 medals, which she has been awarded over the years.

The Princess is patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, as well as being Commodore-in-Chief for Portsmouth. Although she hasn't actually served in the military like her brothers Charles and Andrew, she is an honorary Rear Admiral. Today she is also sporting a thistle sash and thistle star, representing the Order of the Thistle, the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland.

READ MORE: The Queen's funeral: Gloucestershire set to pay final respects to monarch as state ceremony takes place - updates

Explaining the importance behind Princess Anne's show of support in her uniform, the US Naval Institute tweeted on September 13: "Wearing a Royal Navy uniform, Princess Anne became the first female royal to participate in the Vigil of the Princes as her mother's coffin laid in state at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh today. Anne holds the rank Admiral and is Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy."

Princess Anne carries out hundreds of engagements with her military patronages and affiliations every year and usually tops the hardest working royal list.

Fan SofiaAnnMaury tweeted: "Princess Anne's looking amazing during the whole procession. She looks tough and dignified. She is absolutely a role model!"

However, not everyone agreed on the Princess Royal's attire.

In response to Julia Hartley-Brewer telling Charles Rae, former Royal Editor of The Sun "that it is "ridiculous and petty" that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have not been allowed to wear their military uniform at the Queen's funeral, Linda Helen Green responded: "Agree about Prince Andrew. Prince Harry does wear his medals. Princess Royal should wear her normal clothes instead of the military outfits she's not and has never been a serving soldier."

What are Princess Anne's medals for?

Princess Anne's medals are as follows: The Queen's Service Order, the Coronation Medal, the Silver Jubilee Medal, the Golden Jubilee Medal, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Royal Navy), the Canadian Forces Decoration, Order of St John Service Medal, and the New Zealand 1990 Medal.

But why does Princess Anne wear a military uniform?

The Queen's daughter has never served in the military, however, she has several military honours and titles. In 1993 she was made a Rear Admiral and was promoted to Vice Admiral in 2009 before she was made Admiral in 2012. In 2020, Anne was also made a General in the British Army and an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.

Other military that she holds across the Commonwealth are: Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy; Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Army Nursing Corps; Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport.

Which members of the royal family have served in the military?

Members of the royal family that have served in the military are King Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Prince Harry.

King Charles served in the RAF and the Royal Navy while Prince Edward joined the Royal Marines when he left university in 1986. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew served in the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot.

Prince Harry served in Afghanistan for two hours during his 10 years in the Army. He and Prince Andrew were not able to wear their military uniform during the ceremonial events this week.

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