Dolly Maud, Princess Anne’s New Lady-in-Waiting, Makes First Public Appearance at Commonwealth Day Service

Princess Anne stepped out with her newly appointed lady-in-waiting, Dolly Maud, for the first time as they graced the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

The Princess Royal, aged 73, was accompanied by the elegant Dolly, 51, who donned a chic coat dress and a striking brown hat, while Anne herself stood out in a vibrant red coat dress adorned with colorful details over a blue dress, injecting a splash of color into the abbey surroundings.

During their arrival, Dolly graciously accepted a bouquet of flowers from Princess Anne, possibly a gesture of welcome to the event.

This public appearance marked the first of many for Dolly in her new role as Princess Anne's lady-in-waiting, although the two have been working closely together for several years.

Dolly has been a significant support figure for Princess Anne and her daughter, Zara Tindall, known for her unwavering loyalty and ability to keep confidences.

The bond between Dolly and Zara goes back more than two decades, with Dolly playing a pivotal role in various aspects of Zara's life.

Notably, she served as the Maid of Honour at Zara's wedding to rugby player Mike in 2011 and gained recognition for her assistance during the unexpected home birth of Zara's third child, Lucas, in 2021.

Their friendship, rooted in a shared passion for horses, led them to live together briefly in 2003 following Zara's breakup with Richard Johnson, her then-fiancé.

Zara's relationship with former rugby player Mike Tindall blossomed after her split with Richard, thanks in part to Dolly's support during a challenging period.

Dolly's presence at significant life events, including Zara and Mike's wedding and the births of their three children, underscores her importance in their lives.

Notably, Dolly's extensive experience as a maternity practitioner for the NHS in Gloucestershire and her involvement in healthcare initiatives in Sierra Leone demonstrate her dedication to supporting others.

Both Zara and Dolly share a deep love for horses, with Zara's equestrian achievements, including an MBE and an Olympic silver medal, reflecting her passion for the sport.

Dolly's background in horse racing, coupled with her family life alongside husband Chris Maude and their four children, further solidifies her connection to the equestrian world.

Her close ties to Zara and Princess Anne, characterized by shared interests in dogs and horses, make her an ideal fit for the role of lady-in-waiting.

Princess Anne's selection of Dolly as her lady-in-waiting comes as no surprise, given Dolly's longstanding relationships within royal circles.

Despite initial speculation surrounding her official role, recent reports confirm that Dolly will indeed serve as Princess Anne's lady-in-waiting, a position that aligns well with her qualities of loyalty and discretion.

As a trusted confidante to both Zara and Princess Anne, Dolly's presence adds a touch of familiarity and reliability to the royal household.