PR guru Tanya Rose has detailed the stringent dress code she encountered during a four-day visit to Sandringham in 1979, at the invitation of her childhood friend, Prince Edward.
Rose, founder of the travel PR agency Mason Rose, was 14 at the time of her visit and the only non-royal guest. She recalled receiving a specific list of required attire from the Royal Family, which necessitated purchasing new items. The list included "four long dresses, four outfits for breakfast, four outfits for tea, shooting things, Barbour, Wellington boots."
Speaking on fashion designer Amanda Wakeley's podcast, Style DNA, Rose described how her parents helped her acquire the necessary clothing. She also recounted borrowing a pearl necklace from her mother for the first night, which was admired by the Queen Mother, who inquired if it was a family heirloom.
Rose admitted to being terrified upon arrival, as she was the only guest not part of the Royal Family. The group included Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, and Lady Susan Hussey. She recalled Queen Elizabeth II making her feel more at ease by doing impressions of her groom.
During her stay, Rose also had a memorable, albeit embarrassing, moment at dinner with then-Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh. Mistaking a salt cellar for a sugar dispenser, she inadvertently added salt to her coffee, a gaffe that Prince Charles pointed out.
In related fashion commentary, Amanda Wakeley discussed royal wedding guest attire, highlighting Catherine, Princess of Wales, as an example of elegant style. Wakeley noted Kate's preference for monotone outfits, often matching her hat, dress, and shoes, a practice she believes may have been influenced by the late Queen Elizabeth II's style.