The Daily Mirror reported that Anne’s official role will be that of « Gold-Stick-in-Waiting », a position which historically ensures the monarch’s safety and as such must be given to someone trusted.
Following the crowning of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6 at Westminster Abbey the new monarchs will make their way back to the Palace in the Gold State Coach.
Princess Anne will travel on horseback behind them leading the larger procession, which will feature 6,000 military personnel.
The custom dates back several hundred years to Tudor times, when a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick were appointed to keep close to the sovereign and protect them from danger.
According to royal sources the Princess Royal was « incredibly honoured » to be given the role, with the King delivering the news to her personally.
The siblings are known to be close, with Charles often relying on his little sister for advice as he admires her « no nonsense attitude ».
Anne was also said to be the favourite of their late father Prince Philip, with their close relationship occasionally causing friction between Charles and Anne.
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A source from the palace said: « The direction of the King’s decision is clear for all to see. He is rewarding the Princess Royal for her loyalty and her unwavering devotion to duty above all else.
« The King values his sister as a trusted lieutenant and this is the perfect example of such a relationship. »
The role of Gold Stick is now only demonstrated on ceremonial and state occasion and is held jointly by the Colonels of the Life Guards (LG) and the Blues and Royals (RHG/D), which are both Regiments of the Household Cavalry of the Household Division.
The Silver Stick is the Commander of the Household Cavalry and alongside holding the rank of colonel is in charge of all the monarch’s ceremonial duties.
Anne has previously carried out the role at other royal occasions as she served as colonel of the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment of the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry.
A number of military personnel will make up the Coronation Procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, including Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, alongside The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen.
Once at the palace the royals will gather on the balcony to observe the traditional flypast from the RAF.
The source added: « The Coronation Procession will be an incredible sight to behold. With many hundreds of millions watching across the world, it really will be an event for the ages. »
