Riding Through My Life

by Anne, Princess Royal, Ivor Herbert

The equestrian autobiography of The Princess Royal in which she writes about her life with horses from childhood to the present day. She is a former European three-day event champion, an amateur jockey and a strong supporter of Riding for the Disabled.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, Princess Royal (KG, KT, GCVO), is the only daughter and second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. At the time of her birth, she was third (behind her mother and elder brother) and rose to second (after her mother's accession) in the line of succession to the thrones of the 16 Commonwealth realms; however, after the birth of two younger brothers, six nieces and nephews, and one great-nephew, she is currently eleventh in line.

The seventh holder of the title Princess Royal, Anne is known for her charitable work, being the patron of over 200 organisations, and she carries out about 500 royal engagements and public appearances per year. She is also known for equestrian talents; she won two silver medals (1975) and one gold medal (1971) at the European Eventing Championships, and was the first member of the British Royal Family to have competed in the Olympic Games. Currently married to Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, she has two children from her previous marriage to Mark Phillips and two granddaughters.

Reviews

[Dark-Draco · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's not a huge amount I can say about this book - I have owned it for years, have read it many times and every time I pick it up for a re-read, I am absolutely delighted with it. Princess Anne comes across as a true lover of all things horsey - she knows she is privileged to have ridden so many amazing horses in superb settings and top competitions, but it isn't rubbed in the reader's face. Instead, her tone and style are welcoming you to share in the same ups and downs that she has. I actually find it quietly inspiring and this latest re-read made me take my young horse out jumping, which I've been putting off for a while! There are lovely photos throughout, many highlighting how much eventing has changed as a sport. I'm sure this will be read again in the future.