The Princess Royal, who showed off her equestrian skills at the 1976 Olympics, knew just what to do when her horse got spooked at King Charles’ birthday celebration.
The always composed Princess Anne showed her remarkable skill and determination once again. On June 15, during King Charles’ birthday celebration known as Trooping the Colour, her horse, Noble, began to act up. The Princess, now 73, handled her horse’s jittery behavior with expert precision, guiding Noble forward and keeping calm, ensuring all went smoothly.
In the company of Prince William and Prince Edward, Princess Anne stayed steady on her horse, forming a majestic image of unity and command. With Noble, Darby, and Sir John, they processed behind King Charles and Queen Camilla who, due to the King’s current health treatment, were traveling in a carriage.
Later in the event, the royals showcased their traditional salute, each holding the reins with one hand. Princess Anne’s composed demeanor was no surprise to those familiar with her history—she was the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympics back in Montreal 1976. She remains deeply involved in the equestrian world today according to her daughter, Zara Tindall.
Zara previously said: “Horses are a family affair. We often discuss performances and breeding. It’s a constant part of our conversations.” This shared family passion explains Princess Anne’s ease with Noble during the parade.
Noble, a beloved black mare gifted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to King Charles, has a storied reputation. Before being presented to the King, she was noted for her superior physical and athletic abilities, combined with a calm temperament—qualities that made her an ideal choice for the royal family’s public events.
In a statement, the royal family noted, “Noble’s calm demeanor is perfect for high-energy public events. She participated in 90 performances across 50 locations in Canada during the RCMP’s Musical Ride in 2022, showcasing her capability beautifully.”
King Charles himself made a historic return to horseback during Trooping the Colour in June 2023, retracing a tradition last seen when Queen Elizabeth rode Burmese in 1986 before she switched to carriage rides for this event. His appearance on Noble symbolized a comforting return to royal equestrian traditions amidst ongoing personal trials.
The royal family had announced that due to his cancer treatment, King Charles would use a carriage instead of riding at Trooping the Colour. After resuming his public duties in April, he continued to show resilience and dedication to his role.
Princess Anne’s handling of Noble during such a moment exemplified her steadfast nature and continued devotion to her role and responsibilities. The parade concluded successfully, a testament to the careful preparation and expert equestrianism of the royal participants, leaving onlookers impressed and reassured by the royals’ enduring grace and command.
