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Privacy Notice Princess Anne has had a busy week, engaging with Gurkha personnel and their families during her visit to Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire. The 73 year old Princess Royal, who is the younger sister of King Charles, is a cherished member of the Royal Family and is often praised as the hardest-working member of The Firm. She is presently wedded to former Royal Navy officer Sir Tim Laurence, whom she tied the knot with in 1992. However, her two offspring, Peter Phillips, 46, and Zara Tindall, 43, are from her first marriage to Mark Phillips, 75, an Olympic gold medal-winning equestrian.
Princess Anne was previously married to Mark Phillips
(Image: Getty Images)
Anne and Mark said their vows in 1973 after a five-year courtship. After facing difficulties in their relationship, they decided to part ways in 1989. Anne initially had no intentions of getting a divorce, but the circumstances changed in 1991 when it was disclosed that Mark had fathered a child with a New Zealand art teacher. Felicity Tonkin was born in 1985 to Heather Tonkin, who had a fleeting liaison with Mark in 1984. Her identity was kept under wraps for six years, but when the truth surfaced, it ignited one of the most notable royal scandals ever, reports the Express. The duo first crossed paths at an Auckland riding clinic and struck up a friendship. The affair took place when he returned a year later, allegedly leaving his riding boots outside his hotel room door so Heather could find him. Reports suggest that Mark initially considered an abortion, before deciding to make monthly payments for the child’s upkeep.
Princess Anne’s children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall are from her first marriage to Mark Phillips
(Image: Getty Images)
Princess Anne and Captian Mark Phillips on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their royal wedding
(Image: Getty Images)
Sign up to OK’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free However, Heather went public in 1991, with DNA tests confirming Felicity as the daughter of Anne’s husband. Recent reports indicate that Felicity has never met her step-siblings Zara and Peter. It’s believed that the pair have a close relationship with Stephanie Phillips, their half-sister from their father’s second marriage to Sandy Pflueger. Despite keeping a low profile, Stephanie asked Peter and Zara’s children to be flower girls at her wedding and even extended an invitation to Anne for the event.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnRoyal FamilyPrincess Anne
