• READ MORE: A royal turnout! Princess Anne puts on an animated display as she and husband Timothy Laurence enjoy rare joint outing with Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for day seven of the Commonwealth Games
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Princess Anne delayed the start of her annual summer break as she stepped out for an engagement in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

The Princess Royal, often praised as one of the Firm's hardest working members, attended a rehearsal for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is set to begin on Friday.

Dressed in a traditional tartan skirt and cream jacket, Anne met with Robert Aldridge, the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside military personnel taking part in this year's demonstrations.

Pictured clutching a bouquet of blue, white and purple flowers, Anne, 75, was all smiles as she spoke with members of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, who are set to perform at the annual performance at the Scottish Capital's historic Castle.

The princess also took time to meet with the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Air Force before observing a rehearsal in anticipation for the main event.

Anne's visit comes as other members of the Royal Family have already began their traditional summer break - with King Charles and Queen Camilla retreating to Scotland to take time away from their engagements.

The Princess Royal has often expressed an interest in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which first took place in 1950 on the esplanade of the city's Castle.

According to the organisers of the prestigious event, Anne regularly attends rehearsals held at Redford Barracks 'to meet members and those working behind the scenes' in the run-up to the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Princess Anne has delayed her annual summer break as she stepped out for an engagement in Edinburgh on Wednesday

The Princess Royal , often praised as one of the Firm's hardest working members, attended a rehearsal for the Royal Edinburgh Military Air Tattoo, which is set to begin on Friday

Dressed in a tartan skirt and cream jacket, Anne met with Robert Aldridge, the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside military personnel taking part in this year's demonstrations

This year's Tattoo, which is part of the wider Edinburgh Festivals programme in August, is themed 'A Call to Gather' and will run from August 7 to August 29.

Anne has always held a particular regard for Scotland, having served as president of the Scottish Rugby Union for more than 40 years.

She is a Knight of the Thistle, Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, and has twice served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Her innumerable patronages, this side of the Tweed, include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Last week, the Princess Royal put on animated display as she and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence enjoyed a rare joint outing with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for the seventh day of the Commonwealth Games.

Anne was chic in a light beige trench coat and sunglasses as she sat in the stands in Glasgow next to her husband Timothy Laurence and Commonwealth Sport Vice President Hugh Graham at Scotstoun Stadium.

Nearby, Sophie, 61, and Prince Edward, 62, were attentively observing today's events - which include hurdles, the triple jump and the decathlon, among others.

Stylish Sophie opted for a summery linen blazer worn over a white top with khaki trousers, while the Duke was casual in a navy zip-up and polo.

Anne's visit comes as other members of the Royal Family have began their traditional summer break - with King Charles and Queen Camilla retreating to Scotland to take time away from their engagements

According to organisers of the prestigious event, Anne regularly attends rehearsals held at Redford Barracks 'to meet members and those working behind the scenes

Anne, 75, was all smiles as she spoke with members of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, who are set to perform at the annual performance at the Scottish Capital's historic Castle.

Anne also later visited the Commonwealth offices - showing off a second, lighter denim jacket and blue scarf, shaking hands with staff.

The Firm members looked to be in good spirits as they enjoyed a sporty day out, often laughing and excitedly pointing at the action at the stadium.

Later that weekend, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children made a surprise appearance at the sporting event.

Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and eight-year-old Prince Louis joined their parents and spectators to watch a packed sporting schedule involving the world's best competitors in Glasgow.

All three young royals dressed smartly for the occasion – with George and Louis stepping out in button-down Ralph Lauren linen shirts with rolled up sleeves to create an effortless look that strongly resembled their father.

Charlotte, meanwhile, embraced the summer weather with a £30 chiffon short-sleeved dress from American fashion brand Guess, alongside a pair of ivory Pretty Ballerinas Nicole flats.

Elsewhere, Kate, 44, stepped out for the sporting event in a black and white striped jumper from La Ligne, teamed with a white pleated ankle-length skirt.

Adding a pop of colour to the overall look, the Princess of Wales added a green double-breasted cashmere blazer from Ralph Lauren – with the navy version of the jacket retailing for a staggering £2,950.

Stepping out for the penultimate day of the 'Friendly Games', young Louis delighted royal fans in a rare public appearance and looked animated as he sat in the stands between his siblings.

At the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, young Louis took great joy in his bucket hat which read 'Beicio Cymru' – Welsh Cycling.

Prince George, who celebrated his 13th birthday last week, was pictured sitting next to his father, William.

William was spotted chatting to his sons throughout the match, pointing at the players and explaining the game as they watched England play New Zealand in the netball semi-finals.

Charlotte, meanwhile, regularly turned to speak to Kate, whispering to her mother throughout the competition.

Kate and William – who are known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, when visiting the country – and their children also met Team Wales athletes and their families on Saturday.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis revealed their favourite sports as they sat and chatted with the sportsmen and women on what was the final stop of their busy day at the Commonwealth Games.