Princess Anne awards knighthood to England's bowling legend James Anderson

Princess Anne appears to have turnd a blind eayr tio his brother Prince Andrew's crisis as she continued to focus on her royal duty, knighting former England cricketer James Anderson at Windsor.

Sir James was honoured for his services to cricket as he holds the record for the most Test wickets taken for England, with 704.

Buckingham Palace shared photo of the Princess Royal with the legenday cricketer with a message to all who achived excellence in the game.

The Palace wrote in the satement: "Congratulations to everyone who received their honours from The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle today!"

It added: "Recipients included Sir James Anderson, who was made a Knight Bachelor for Services to Cricket."

James said goodbye to cricket in an emotional way at Lord's, making the last of his 188 Test appearances two years ago against West Indies.

However, he continued playing domestic cricket. He played six Rothesay County Championship matches during the 2025 before a side injury ended his season early.

The athlete was given the knighthood in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list.

England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson praised the legend for his remarkable career, adding that It was "a really well-deserved honour." 

He added: "This is fitting recognition for a true world great who has given so much to the game on and off the field."

James's skills and sportsmanship might be a of emerging cricketers and fans alike in England and around the world.