PRINCESS ANNE STUNNED ONLOOKERS WITH A TWO-WORD RESPONSE TO PROTESTORS — AND THE MOMENT WAS CAUGHT RIGHT OUTSIDE WESTMINSTER ABBEY. There are royal appearances… and then there are the moments that remind everyone why Princess Anne has long been known as the monarchy’s toughest, most unshakable figure. Outside Westminster Abbey during the Commonwealth Day service, that reputation appeared on full display in the briefest possible exchange. As Anne arrived with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, anti-monarchy protestors were already gathered nearby. Voices were raised, signs waved, and some demonstrators shouted questions connected to the latest controversy surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Yet amid the noise, cameras captured a small moment that quickly became the detail royal watchers couldn’t stop discussing.

Princess Anne’s two-word command to husband as anti-royal protests assemble

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence were spotted at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Day service as anti-monarchy protestors gathered outside the event.

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence pictured on Monday

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence pictured on Monday at the Commonwealth ceremony (Image: GETTY)

Princess Anne and her spouse Sir Timothy Laurence accompanied the King and Queen to Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service on Monday.

As members of the Royal Family entered the Abbey, anti-monarchy protestors, recently seen in demonstrations against the royals, assembled outside.

Members of Republic were stationed outside the Abbey with placards reading “What did you know?” and “What are you hiding?”. It comes after Meghan Markle shared Prince Harry’s sweet nickname in a rare family update.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Princess Anne, 75, was observed instructing her husband to “ignore them” as they strolled together.

The outlet noted that Anne advised Sir Timothy, “Don’t listen to them”, before adding the succinct remark to “ignore them”

Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London

Princess Anne told her husband to ‘ignore’ the protestors (Image: GETTY)

The anti-monarchy group lodged a complaint with the Thames Valley Police, resulting in Andrew’s arrest on the morning of February 19, coincidentally his 66th birthday.

Andrew was detained for 11 hours before being released under investigation for suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.

In 2022, Andrew was stripped of his military titles and patronages following an attempt by the late Virginia Guiffre to file a sexual assault lawsuit against him.

The Royal Family Attend The 2026 Commonwealth Day Service

Kate and William attended the service in matching navy blue outfits (Image: Getty)

The fallen royal then reached an out-of-court settlement with the Epstein victim for an undisclosed amount. The former Duke of York has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing.

After the release of new Epstein documents, Andrew was stripped of his royal title last year – and was ousted from his 30-room mansion, Royal Lodge, earlier this year.

The King and Queen were also accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on Monday.

The Prince and Princess of Wales donned matching navy-blue ensembles, partook in the festivities as they sat inside the royal church and watched the service.

A group of demonstrators held signs that read “down with the crown” and “not my king”, stood next to an enlarged dinosaur puppet, which was topped with a crown.

Commonwealth Day is not the first time the royal family has stepped out amid Mountbatten-Windsor’s growing scandal.