Guess who just received an extraordinary honour from King Charles? Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Tim Laurence, has been made a Knight Grand Cross, placing him on par with some very senior royals! This unprecedented recognition at Balmoral highlights his quiet dedication and vital support. What does this mean for his role within the Royal Family?
King Charles recently bestowed an unprecedented honor upon Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, husband to Princess Anne, during their stay at Balmoral Castle. This significant recognition elevates Sir Tim’s standing within the British monarchy and underscores his quiet yet profound dedication to royal service, a testament to his integral role within the Royal Family despite not being a working royal.
The prestigious award, a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, is the highest title within this particular order, which is exclusively reserved for personal service to the monarch or the royal family. This distinguished insignia places Sir Tim Laurence on an esteemed level, ranking him alongside prominent figures such as Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, highlighting the profound personal regard King Charles holds for his brother-in-law.
Remarkably, Sir Timothy Laurence, now 70 years old, holds the unique distinction of being the only non-working member of the extended Royal Family to receive such a high honour. His promotion from Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order even places him above Prince Edward in terms of the order’s hierarchy, an honour granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015, further emphasizing the significance of King Charles’s recent decision.
Despite his non-working status, Sir Tim has been an unwavering pillar of support for Princess Anne throughout their 33-year marriage. His steadfast presence proved particularly crucial over the past year, as Princess Anne stepped up to represent the Royal Family during King Charles and the Princess of Wales’s respective health recoveries. Furthermore, he provided invaluable support during Princess Anne’s own recovery from a head injury sustained in June 2024, a period described by close sources as far more severe than publicly acknowledged.
The bond between Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence, who was a commander in the Royal Navy and had served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II, was forged in circumstances that drew considerable public attention. Their marriage in 1992 followed Princess Anne’s divorce from Mark Phillips, making her the first royal divorcee to remarry since Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh. Their private letters, once sensationally published, only hint at the depth of their evolving relationship.
Sir Tim has occasionally offered rare glimpses into his life within “The Firm.” In a 2020 ITV documentary, he spoke candidly about the unexpected warmth and laughter he discovered at royal residences like Balmoral and Sandringham. He particularly noted the shared sense of humour between Princess Anne and her parents, underscoring a less-discussed aspect of their family dynamics.
While their union is characterized by mutual respect and enduring affection, it is not without its charming differences. Sir Tim light-heartedly confessed his lack of enthusiasm for horses, a lifelong passion for Princess Anne, stating, “Sadly, I’ve never been bitten by the horse bug.” He also humorously reflected on Princess Anne’s marital history, noting her choices of both an army and a naval officer, suggesting a distinct attraction to the military.
This latest royal honour solidifies Sir Tim Laurence’s understated yet critical role within the British monarchy. His decades of unwavering support, often behind the scenes, and his personal dedication to Princess Anne and the broader Royal Family have now been formally recognized by King Charles. It is a powerful affirmation of his place, not just as a husband, but as a valued and respected member of the royal institution.
