Princess Anne arrived in Sydney early Saturday for a four-day tour across three Australian capital cities, focusing on military engagements rather than public relations. The visit, planned over a year ago, celebrates the centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, of which she is colonel-in-chief.
Despite speculation that the lack of fanfare aimed to avoid questions about her brother Prince Andrew's scandals, palace advisers emphasized the trip's purpose was to honor military personnel and their families. Anne wore the Australian Army uniform for the first time, including the iconic slouch hat, and participated in wreath-laying ceremonies and garden parties.
The princess royal, who turned 75 in August, traveled with a small retinue of just security and her private secretary. No British royal rota journalists accompanied her, partly due to other royal events in Brazil and the UK. The tour was requested by the Australian Army, not the government, so public walkabouts were not planned.
Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, joined her, inspecting troops and engaging with soldiers and families. Brigadier Deane Limmer, head of the corps, noted Anne is more than a figurehead, describing her as a hard-working royal who inspires genuine pride among troops.
