Princess Anne arrived in Sydney on Saturday for a four-day tour across three Australian capital cities, marking the centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, of which she is colonel-in-chief. The visit, planned for over a year, was deliberately low-key, with no public walkabouts or extensive media access, contrary to speculation that it aimed to avoid questions about scandals involving her brother, Prince Andrew.
The princess royal, who turned 75 in August, wore the uniform of the Australian Army for the first time, complete with the iconic slouch hat. She participated in wreath-laying ceremonies and garden parties, chatting with troops and their families. Brigadier Deane Limmer, head of the corps, described her as 'the hardest-working royal' and noted the genuine pride soldiers have in her role.
Anne traveled with a small retinue of security and her private secretary, and no British royal correspondents accompanied her, as many were covering Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards in Brazil or Remembrance Day events in the UK. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, joined her, inspecting troops and supporting engagements.
The tour was funded by the Australian Army rather than the government, which limited public access. Brigadier Limmer, who has served in Timor Leste and Afghanistan, praised Anne's dedication, saying her reputation as a hard worker makes her an honour to serve under.
