Princess Anne Attends Charity Lunch On-Board Queen Mary 2

Princess Anne attended an exclusive charity luncheon on-board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 for the American Friends of the U.K.’s National Museum of the Royal Navy (AFNMRN) in New York Thursday. The Princess Royal is patron of the museum, set in Portsmouth’s historic shipyard.

AFNMRN is a non-profit organization that furthers the special relationship between the British and American navies and supports the NMRN’s collections and educational programs. Admiral Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory is at the centre of an outstanding collection that includes Henry VIII’s Mary Rose warship at the National Museum. It is the only 18th century ship of the line in existence and boasts a large following in the U.S.

The luncheon marked the early stages of an international campaign to secure HMS Victory’s long term future with proceeds from the event to go towards its conservation and preservation. The 65-year-old royal was at the lunch to raise funds for the restoration of the 250-year-old warship.

Sources on board the Queen Mary 2 said the royal was somewhat taken aback when one guest “told the princess they had named their dog after her.” But, Anne was relieved to learn that it was her “doll, not dog” that was her namesake. The royal fan knew all the names of the princess by heart, including “Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise.” “My mother gave them to me,” the princess said.

Guests present at the lunch were instructed to greet Anne with a bow. They were also asked to address her “Ma’am.”

The stylish British royal, who is known for recycling her outfits, chose to wear a simple navy dress, which she paired with a long white chequered coat. Anne teamed up her outfit with matching gloves, a scarf that was tied around her neck like a tie. She accessorized with small pearl earrings, a black handbag and simple shoes. She stuck to her signature red lipstick.

Cunard’s director Angus Struthers said that their relationship with the Royal Navy dates back to the company’s inception in 1840, adding that they were honored to be able to join forces today with the National Museum of the Royal Navy and be a part of the efforts to preserve HMS Victory.