The King’s protector: Princess Anne carries out her duty as Charles’s ‘bodyguard’ and Gold Stick-in-waiting at the State Opening of Parliament

• The Princess Royal, 73, reprised her role which she performed at the Coronation
• READ MORE: Charles gives Princess Anne prestigious role as his bodyguard and ‘Gold-Stick-in-Waiting’ for the King’s Speech as a reward for her unwavering loyalty 

Princess Anne acted as her older brother King Charles’s bodyguard today as he attended the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament.

The Princess Royal, 73, reprised her role as Gold-Stick-in-Waiting which she performed at the Coronation in May, as Charles, 74, delivered his first ever King’s Speech since becoming monarch.

The mother-of-two, who is often dubbed the ‘hardest-working royal’, walked dutifully behind the King and the Pages of Honour as he walked into the House of Lords to set out the government’s policies for the next year.

Princess Anne was dressed in full regalia as Colonel of the Blues and Royals as she carried out her duty this morning.

The royal couple travelled in a carriage just behind King Charles and Queen Camilla which departed Buckingham Palace and arrived in Westminster where the King’s Speech was delivered.

Princess Anne, 73, reprised her role of Gold Stick-in-waiting as she acted as the King’s bodyguard during the State Opening of Parliament

Anne’s role as King Charles’s bodyguard is a reward for her loyalty to Charles, with a royal source telling the Mirror: ‘This is a fantastic addition by the King and further cements the Princess Royal’s role as his most trusted lieutenant.’

Anne did join the late Queen for a number of State Openings of Parliament when she was younger, but this will be the first time she enters the chamber alongside the monarch since 1985.

It is another responsibility for the King’s eldest sibling, who was made a Counsellor of State alongside her younger brother Prince Edward after Charles ascended to the throne. 

This means that if the monarch becomes ill, is abroad or unable to carry out his duties, she is able to step in in his place.

The Princess Royal was dressed in full regalia as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals as she walked into the House of Lords

King Charles attended his first State Opening of Parliament and read out the King’s Speech for the first time since becoming monarch today

Today’s state opening of Parliament is the second time Princess Anne has performed her role as Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, after first taking up the position for King Charles’s Coronation on May 6. 

On that occasion she dressed in the same regalia but covered her outfit with a green velvet robe as she rode on horseback to Westminster Abbey.

It was reported that Anne had been ‘incredibly honoured’ when her brother revealed he wanted her to be his personal bodyguard. 

A source at the time claimed: ‘The direction of the King’s decision is clear for all to see. 

‘He is rewarding the Princess Royal for her loyalty and her unwavering devotion to duty above all else.

‘The King values his sister as a trusted lieutenant and this is the perfect example of such a relationship.’

The Princess Royal wore her Blues and Royals uniform with the dark green Thistle Mantle, and the Thistle Collar, Garter Sash, Garter Star, Thistle Star, GCVO Star, full sized medals, KCVO Star and Companion of the Order of the Bath neck decoration.

The Thistle cloak is made from deep green silk velvet with a lining of white taffeta, and features a hand embroidered gold badge and garter blue velvet hood.

After the ceremony, the Gold State Coach carrying the King and Queen was in the middle of a household procession of Household Cavalry troopers from the Blues and Royals and Life Guards on horseback.

Historically, household troops guarded the sovereign and they performed the role once again today. They were joined by 18 representatives of countries where Charles is King, who flanked the carriage.

Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace, the Princess Royal led a royal salute from members of the Household Cavalry, before joining her brother and other members of the working Royal Family on the balcony.

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