Princess Anne's Coronation role revealed and what Charles asked of his sister
Princess Anne's role dates back to the 15th Century when the monarch was protected by a Gold-Stick-In-Waiting and a Silver-Stick-In-Waiting. Today the roles are used for special occasions such as the Coronation.
As the Gold-Stick-In-Waiting Princess Anne, 72, was responsible for the monarch’s personal safety.
As part of her role, she led the grand royal procession from Westminster Abbey on its return journey to Buckingham Palace.
Princess Anne rode on horseback behind King Charles and Queen Camilla who will ride in the Gold State Carriage. She led 6,000 armed services personnel back to Buckingham Palace.
Want to keep up with every key moment from today? Follow Express.co.uk's live Coronation updates HERE.
The role of Gold-Stick-In-Waiting dates back to the 15th Century. During this time, two rods, one gold and one silver, would be placed on the monarch to protect them from danger.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and these roles are now only used for certain royal events such as the Coronation. The roles are typically held by Colonels of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals.
The role of Silver Stick is to be held during the Coronation by the Commander of the Household Cavalry.
Princess Anne was reportedly “incredibly honoured” to be given the position as a thank-you for her unwavering support and loyalty to Charles.
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Minute by minute guide to the Coronation and order of service
- 9am: Non-VIP guests take their seats inside Westminster Abbey
- 9.30am: VIP guests including Government minister, foreign politicians and world leaders, will make their way into the abbey.
- 10.10am: A small military convoy will make its way along the procession route to confirm it is secure
- 10.20am: Charles and Camilla leave the palace
- 10.30am: Foreign royals start to arrive
- 10.40am: Members of the Royal Family arrive at the abbey
- 10.53am: King and Queen arrive at the abbey following the Coronation procession
- 11am: The Queen will enter the Great West Door in front of the King
- The service will then get underway
Read the full Coronation order of service.
Speaking about the role in an interview with CBC, Anne said: “I haven’t asked too many questions. I have a role as Colonel of the Blues and Royals in the Household Cavalry regiment as Gold Stick. And Gold Stick was the original close protection officer.
“Sol that is a role I was asked if I’d like to do for this coronation, so I said yes. Not least of all, it solves my dress problem.”
After the Coronation Procession, Princess Anne joined King Charles and other senior royals on the balcony to watch the Coronation Flypast.
The flypast was limited to just Red Arrows and helicopters due to weather conditions despite Spitfires, Hurricanes, and a Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being planned.
Five key moments to watch for during King Charles's Coronation
King Charles's Coronation is a historic day, filled with symbolism and tradition. Here are the key moments you need to watch for.
1. Coach procession
King Charles and Queen Camilla will have two processional journeys, to and from Westminster Abbey.
First, they will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Then after the Coronation service, they will return to Buckingham Palace in the 260-year-old Gold State Coach pulled by eight horses.
There will be 4,000 armed forces in a procession spanning one mile long.
2. Anointing
The King will be anointed by holy Chrism oil, made from olives from the Mount of Olives and consecrated in Jerusalem.
This is thought to be one of the most sacred parts of the ceremony.
3. Music
You will be able to listen out for 12 new pieces of music commissioned by King Charles, including a coronation anthem composed by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
There will be solo performances from bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Pretty Yende and baritone, Roderick Williams, with a special coronation orchestra conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano.
4. Crowning
Charles will take a seat on the coronation chair and the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown will be placed on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The crown weighs a staggering 2.2k (4lb 12 ounces) and is a replacement for the original crown which dates back to the 11th century.
5. Balcony moment
At Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen will take to the iconic balcony accompanied by senior royals.
There will be a flypast by the Red Arrows and historic World War 2 planes.