Andrew Parker Bowles’s connection with the Princess Royal stretches back over five decades

Queen Camilla’s ex-husband performed a public favour for his close friend, Princess Anne, on Tuesday.

Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles attended Field Marshal Lord Guthrie’s memorial service at the Guards’ Chapel in London, standing in for King Charles’s sister.

The 86-year-old former cavalry officer, known as APB within Household Cavalry circles, has long served as an occasional representative for the Princess Royal.

His presence at the service drew attention amid a gathering that included Lords Heseltine, Palumbo, Soames and Spencer.

Queen Camilla’s ex-husband performs public favour for Princess Anne

 | GETTY

The monarchy currently faces what has been described as an unprecedented crisis, revealing which supporters remain steadfast during difficult times.

Mr Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s first husband and a former romantic interest of Princess Anne, exemplifies such unwavering loyalty.

The connection between Mr Parker Bowles and the Princess Royal stretches back more than five decades.

Their romance is widely believed to have commenced during Ascot week in June 1970, a fitting beginning given both families’ passion for horses.

Princess Anne and Andrew Parker Bowles pictured together in 2025

 | GETTY

The Parker Bowles family had established ties to the Windsors through the friendship between Andrew’s father, Derek, and the Queen Mother.

Despite the intensity of their early relationship, a future together was never possible for the pair.

Within three years of their romance beginning, Mr Parker Bowles had wed Camilla while Anne married her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.

Mr Parker Bowles’s Catholic faith presented an insurmountable obstacle to any marriage with Princess Anne.

Andrew Parker Bowles and Queen Camilla, who were previously married, pictured together last year

 | GETTY

At the time, Anne stood fourth in line to the throne, bound by her position to the Church of England.

Had she ever been crowned, she would have assumed the role of titular head of that church, making union with a Catholic impossible to contemplate.

The religious barrier ensured their relationship could progress no further than romance.

By 1973, both had moved on to marry others, with Mr Parker Bowles marrying Camilla and Anne exchanging vows with Captain Mark Phillips.

Tom Parker Bowles, Andrew Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes pictured in January 2026

 | PA

The depth of their enduring bond became publicly evident in 1981 when Anne chose Mr Parker Bowles as godfather to her daughter Zara Tindall.

This gesture served as a clear declaration of a friendship that has persisted to the present day.

Though his age might reasonably excuse him from such duties, Mr Parker Bowles remains committed to representing the Princess Royal.

Sources told the Mail he intends to soldier on in this capacity for as long as he is physically able.