King Charles will hand Princess Anne starring role in Coronation as thanks for her loyalty

The King has handed Princess Anne a starring role for his coronation in honour of her years of unwavering loyalty. She will feature in the procession as the prestigious 'Gold-Stick-in-Waiting', a position historically handed to a person entrusted with the personal safety of the sovereign, the Mirror reports.

Anne will travel on horseback behind the new King and Queen after they are crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6. As Charles and Camilla ride in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace, Anne, as a 'personal aide-de-camp' to His Majesty, will lead the larger procession featuring 6,000 armed services personnel.

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The privilege dates back to the 15th century in Tudor times, when two officers - a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick, were placed close to the sovereign to protect him or her from danger. Royal sources revealed how the King personally told his sister of his wish and how she was “incredibly honoured” to be handed the role.

The siblings have enjoyed a close relationship since their warring ways as children, with Charles often jealous of Anne's closeness with their father, Prince Philip. Royal insiders revealed the King, 74, often leans on his trusted lieutenant Anne, 72, for advice and is a fan of her 'no nonsense attitude'.

A well placed palace source said: "The direction of the King's decision is clear for all to see. He is rewarding the Princess Royal for her loyalty and her unwavering devotion to duty above all else.

"The King values his sister as a trusted lieutenant and this is the perfect example of such a relationship."

The role of Gold Stick, now only demonstrated on ceremonial and state occasions, is held jointly by the Colonels of