🌻Sarahsecret

There is something deeply moving about seeing Princess Anne help honour a symbol of her late mother’s service. ⚓💙 Today, at Portsmouth Cathedral, the Princess Royal attended the laying up of Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Navy Colour, joining 150 naval personnel and distinguished guests. Presented by the Queen in Portsmouth in 1986, the Colour was carried on parade by generations of sailors and Royal Marines. It has now been formally retired and entrusted to the cathedral for preservation alongside the Colours of earlier sovereigns. During the service, the First Sea Lord carried it through the nave as the Royal Marines Band played Auld Lang Syne. He presented it to Anne, who passed it to the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy before its presentation to the Dean. She also gave a Bible reading, and the service included an Act of Remembrance. For me, Anne’s presence made this particularly poignant. She attended in her role as Commodore-in-Chief, Portsmouth—but she is also the Queen’s daughter. I would never presume to know her private feelings. Still, watching her take part in preserving something so closely connected to her mother’s reign carries an emotional weight. I admire the dignity Anne brings to occasions like this. She allows the purpose of the engagement to speak for itself: honouring service, remembering sacrifice and ensuring that the past is treated with care. The Colour is retiring from ceremonial duty, not disappearing from history. Its preservation honours the late Queen and the generations who served beneath it. A beautiful, solemn tribute. Remembering Queen Elizabeth II with affection, and remembering all those whose service deserves our gratitude. 💙 📸 LPhot Helayna Birkett/Royal Navy #PrincessAnne #PrincessRoyal #QueenElizabethII #RoyalNavy #Portsmouth #Remembrance #RoyalFamily #Legacy