Sir Timothy Laurence has been quietly supporting his wife Princess Anne for more than 30 years.
As well as joining her at many royal events for many years, Sir Timothy has also supported her throughout some of the most challenging moments of her life – including the deaths of the late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
Although he was made a Knight Commander in 2011, Sir Timothy doesn’t hold any royal titles – despite being offered a title after his wedding to Anne in 1992.
The 70-year-old, who is celebrating his milestone birthday today, is known to have close relationships with many members of the Royal Family – including his stepchildren, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips.
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Much like Prince Edward’s wife – the Duchess of Edinburgh – Sir Timothy is known to be one of the hardest working members of the Royal Family.
Although he has also joined Anne on various overseas visits, he was forced to pull out of travelling to South Africa earlier this year due to a suspected torn ligament.
Prior to his life alongside Anne, he joined the Royal Navy in 1973 as a midshipman, and in 1977 he was promoted to Lieutenant.
Sir Timothy briefly served as Navigating Officer aboard the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia.
It’s been suggested that the Britannia could be the first place where Laurence and Princess Anne first met, though reports have varied.
Sir Timothy – who is Anne’s second husband – also shared a close bond with the late Queen – and was the only person of non-royal lineage on the Buckingham Palace balcony during both the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Trooping the Colour.
A statement ahead of the event read: “The Cambridge and Wessex children are also expected to appear as is Sir Tim Laurence, who the [late] Queen is happy to attend as a frequent attendee and support for the Princess Royal on official engagements.”
