Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, hence, her title, the Princess Royal. Her life was not as public as her older brother, Prince Charles, before her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips. However, when the two got engaged in the 70s, the couple became the talk of the town, especially the princess.
It is not surprising, though, why the media then focused on Princess Anne and Mark Phillips as they embarked on to the next stage of their relationship. Besides, royal marriage is one of the most awaited events in the British monarchy and the rest of the world. While everyone thought that it will be a fairytale-like marriage for the two, Princess Anne and her husband, Mark got separated 19 years after.
According to Express UK, Mark Phillips' courtship to the Princess Royal was kept in total secrecy. Even the princess' aides and helpers did not have any clue about the couple's engagement.
It was only after the "awkward" interview when the rest of the world learned about the relationship. As per sources, the wedding shortly followed in 1973.
After the wedding, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips caught the attention of many. With their "lovely" and heartwarming interviews, no one thought that the two will get divorced years after.
It was also shared that the lovely couple was happy. Along with their kids, Zara and Peter, they shared the same interests toward equestrianism.
Unfortunately and, surprisingly, the two reportedly had "extramarital affairs." No one can confirm when these affairs happened. Even so, reports have been claiming that it all started when Mark Phillips rarely spends time at home.
In a documentary titled, The Real Princess Anne, a former royal correspondent, Ashley Walton shared that the strain between the couple began when the captain eventually spent much lesser time with the princess. The reason being was his excessive love for "horse-related businesses."
As Mark Phillips traveled the world, the princess royal was always left alone at home. She was also said to take care of the children by herself. Ashley Walton then concluded that this was mainly the reason why Princess Anne started her affair with her bodyguard, Peter Cross.
Obviously, this was never confirmed by the authorities. But, authors and reporters seemed to learn about it since the palace "sacked" Peter Cross immediately, which was unusual for the crews of the Scotland Yard.
After the controversy surrounding the princess and her bodyguard, several rumored affairs for both parties followed as per media and reports.
