Princess Anne, known for her dedicated public service, also possesses a notable reputation for her discerning approach to fashion, characterized by a consistent re-wearing of her favorite attire. As the Princess Royal marks her 76th birthday, a closer look at her wardrobe reveals a collection of garments, some in continuous rotation for decades, underscoring a philosophy of sustainability and economy.
Reflecting on her style, Princess Anne once commented, "A good suit goes on forever. If it is properly made and has a classic look, you can wear it ad infinitum. The economy was bred into me." This sentiment appears to guide her sartorial choices, which prioritize longevity and enduring appeal over fleeting trends.
A 'Time Capsule' Wardrobe
Among the many pieces that exemplify this approach is an ivory coat dress, first worn in 1969 for the premiere of "Run Wild, Run Free" when Anne was 18. The ribbed ivory silk design, featuring embroidered cuffs and intricate beading, was updated for a recent Nigerian state banquet by removing its original ruffled neckline in favor of a classic pointed collar.
Another favored item is a double-breasted red coat, a staple since the 1990s. This coat has made appearances at events ranging from Christmas celebrations to horse races, most recently being worn at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, paired with a faux fur headpiece and knee-high boots.
Princess Anne's turquoise dress, first seen during the 1978 state visit of President Khama of Botswana, has also been a consistent choice. The garment, worn at occasions such as Royal Ascot in 2013 and a visit to the Queen Elizabeth 2 hotel in Dubai in March, remarkably retains its pristine condition.
The Princess Royal has also demonstrated a long-term affection for a lilac coat, worn on at least six royal engagements between 1982 and 2004. Debuted with a matching John Boyd veiled hat while welcoming Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, it has since been seen at the unveiling of the Mountbatten Memorial Statue, the launch of the submarine HMS Talent, a Commonwealth Day service, a visit to Greenwich's Royal Naval College, and on multiple Christmas Days.
A pink satin dress from the 1980s, noted for its voluminous puff sleeves and houndstooth-printed skirt, was worn to the 1984 BAFTA Awards. By 2001, Anne had altered the sleeves to better suit the fashion of the time.
A yellow and navy coat, a tailored single-breasted design, has been showcased five times since 2007. Its initial appearance was at an Easter Sunday service in Windsor, followed by outings at Royal Ascot in 2009, the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston, and more recently during visits to New Zealand and Jersey in 2023.
A printed skirt suit, first seen at Royal Ascot in 1988, played a significant role in Anne's 1990s wardrobe, notably chosen for the wedding of Lady Helen Windsor and Tim Taylor in 1992. After an appearance at Ascot in 1994 and a VE Day commemoration in 1995, the ensemble was revived for Royal Ascot in 2014, accessorized with the same ivory gloves and court shoes.
Enduring Ensembles
The Princess has worn a floral wrap dress by Maureen Baker for two royal weddings separated by 27 years. The dress, adorned with orange tulips, was first worn at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and later to the 2008 wedding of her cousin, Lady Rose Windsor.
In 2011, Anne wore a vibrant mother-of-the-bride outfit, a floral print jacket over a coral pleated dress, for her daughter Zara Phillips's wedding. The ensemble was recycled the following year for Royal Ascot, with a different hat.
Another notable skirt suit, first worn to Trooping the Colour in 1987, has been seen on numerous occasions, including a visit to Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012. While her pearl jewelry has remained consistent, Anne has varied her headwear, opting for fascinators and hats, and on one occasion, no hat at all.
An embellished lavender gown, first worn in 1989 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Save the Children fund, was re-worn in 2005 to Grosvenor House, with Anne swapping her velvet choker for a three-strand pearl necklace.
A fur-lined coat has accompanied Princess Anne through five decades. First worn at the 1976 wedding of friends Chris Collins and Susanne Lumb, it reappeared in 1983 for a meeting with church dignitaries. By 2003 and 2006, it was seen on Christmas Day services at Sandringham with a blue scarf and bag, and in 2008 and 2012, it was paired with updated boots and a new hat.
A cream and navy coat, first worn with a white pillbox hat at Royal Ascot in 1980, was also seen at the Derby at Epsom Downs in 1985. The Princess Royal later wore this coat for two Buckingham Palace garden parties in 2015 and for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2018.
Finally, a yellow double-breasted coat by Susan Small has been a loyal companion for over four decades. Initially worn to Trooping the Colour in 1980, it was also seen at the Epsom Derby in 1983. After a hiatus, it resurfaced for a garden party in 2007 and was worn again at Royal Ascot in 2011 and 2015.