A rare royal tradition was performed Monday, September 12, following theheartbreaking death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The vigil, which lasts for 15 minutes, has only been performed by men in the past.

Princess Anne,dressed in military uniform, is thefirst womanto perform the “Vigil of the Princes.”

Princess Anne smiling

Typically, members are either Knights or Ladies of the Garter, but not the Princess Royal.

Titles are not the only distinction that has set Anne apart from the crowd.

Princess Anne waving

Prince Philip funeral