Princess Anne isn’t dubbed the nation’s ‘hardest working royal’ for nothing, and now, her ‘unwavering commitment’ has been celebrated with a new portrait, in which every detail is a clue. On Sunday (10 May), a specially commissioned painting was unveiled by The Intelligence Corps, of which Princess Anne is Colonel-in-Chief, and will shortly be going on public display.
In a social media post, the Corps explained that the ceremonial portrait ‘celebrates Her Royal Highness’s unwavering commitment to the Corps,’ and that ‘every detail reflects the Corps’ history, values, and traditions’.
For example, the colours included in the painting – green, grey and red – all have a specific historic significance. According to Town And Country, the ‘Cypress green’ of the main body of the jacket represents ‘the military rank patches worn by intelligence personnel during World War I’. The ‘French grey’ of the lapels, cuffs and other details refers to World War II, inspired by the armbands worn during that conflict. And the subtler, scarlet notes in the portrait reference ‘the clandestine nature of intelligence work’.
Around her neck, Princess Anne wears the Royal Victorian Order. Along her jacket, a row of medals are pinned which includes the Jubilee Medals she was awarded to mark milestones in her mother’s (Queen Elizabeth II) historic reign.
Commissioned back in 2024, the new portrait was painted by British artist Louise Pragnell, who previously completed an oil painting of the Princess Royal, on behalf of the Saddlers Livery Company. Speaking to Tatler of the challenge presented by the portrait, Louise said the question she wrestled with was ‘How do you capture a truth that resonates with people?’ To do this, she tried to give a subtle insight into Princess Anne’s personal qualities.
The artist also praised Princess Anne’s patience and energy when it came to the project. ‘When we would have sittings, it would be her third or even fourth engagement that day, and I just hope, when I’m that age, that I have that energy and sense of purpose as well,’ Louise told the publication.
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On her own Instagram, the artist shared an insight into the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into the presentation of a new portrait. In a caption, she said, ‘It was a privilege to capture this dedicated royal in her military splendour.’
Princess Anne joined the artist alongside Intelligence Corps Colonel Nik Fairweather and General Sir Jim Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen for the unveiling, wearing a green satin two-piece and black gloves for the occasion [seen in second slide of The Intelligence Corps’ Instagram post above].
The painting will go on public display at the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers’ Livery Hall from Thursday 14 May to Saturday 16 May 2026, during London Craft Week.
