The beloved Princess Royal turn 75 on August 15

t’s set to be a big week for Princess Anne, who will celebrate her 75th birthday on Friday (August 15).

For such a milestone birthday for such a popular royal, the palace has got to be throwing a big party, right? Or so you’d think, but according to a royal source, Anne is reluctant to celebrate the important day. And there’s a really selfless reason why.

Princess Anne’s 75th birthday plans

According to reports, Anne will not have a traditional birthday party to celebrate herself, but instead decided to honour a selection of her favourite charities and organisations at “a special gathering at Buckingham Palace” ahead of the occasion.

The event took place back in June, with over 200 guests in attendance.This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about.

Widely dubbed one of the most hardworking members of the royal family, carrying out the most royal engagements, Princess Anne is patron to more than 400 organisations.

A source discussed Anne’s decision to honour charities, rather than have a big birthday bash.

A source reportedly told the Telegraph of this decision in June: “This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about. She didn’t want to do anything for her birthday but bring her charities together to hear more about their work and how she can help them.”

Anne ‘wanted to help charities’ to mark 75th birthday

Meanwhile, the private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter told guests at the event: “There has been a significant amount of interest in HRH’s 75th birthday celebrations. As you are aware the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages.

“It probably won’t come as a surprise, given HRH’s commitment to you all, that the way the princess wants to celebrate this milestone is to replicate what she’s done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum again to once again understand how she can help you, at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.”

As for her actual birthday, it sounds like it could be a low-key affair. The Times has suggested that Anne has plans to spend a few days sailing around western Scotland with her husband.

They will reportedly travel just the two of them, with no staff on board.

After a busy year for the royal family, it will no doubt be a welcome break. She could later join her brother, King Charles, at Balmoral for the end of the summer.

Princess Royal coin released by Royal Mint

Last month, Anne was honoured with a new Royal Mint coin to mark her 75th. This fitting tribute is a £5 piece and Anne approved it herself.

It features a portrait of the princess embossed on the coin.

The Royal Mint, the UK’s official maker of British coins, wrote on social media: “Join us as we celebrate Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as she marks her milestone 75th birthday with the first UK coin made in her honour, featuring her official Coat of Arms and an official portrait taken by John Swannell.”

One royal fan gushed: “She’s an absolute treasure and a shining example of true strength and selfless service to others – I hope I can add this to my collection.”