Princess Anne, 74, has long held the unofficial title of the royal family’s sartorial sustainability icon. Renowned for her commitment to rewearing timeless garments from her wardrobe, Princess Royal proved again why she remains fashion’s reigning recycler during the recent state banquet hosted at Buckingham Palace on December 3.
Accompanying her brother, King Charles in welcoming the Qatari royal family, Princess Anne donned a stunning cream gown that radiated elegance. This dress, adorned with intricate floral embroidery, glittering beaded accents, and dramatic gigot sleeves, complemented her Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, a wedding gift from her grandmother, the Queen Mother. However, the true star of her ensemble wasn’t her jewellery—it was the gown itself.
A 40-year-old treasure
Eagle-eyed royal watchers recognised the gown as one Anne had previously worn at the State Opening of Parliament in 1985, nearly four decades ago. Back then, at 35 years old, the Princess exuded the same effortless grace, proving that true style is timeless.
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal, attending a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, London (Source: Reuters)
In a 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, Princess Anne shared the reasoning behind her fondness for outfit repetition. “Because I’m quite mean,” she quipped, demonstrating her characteristic humour. She explained her preference for buying quality materials and supporting local manufacturers who uphold the tradition of bespoke tailoring in Britain. “It also helps to support those who still manufacture in this country,” she noted, emphasising her dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Princess Anne’s fashion choices stand out in a world where fast fashion dominates, and she sends an important message: sustainability and timeless elegance can coexist. By showcasing her enduring wardrobe pieces, she not only honours the artisans who crafted them but also inspires others to value and cherish their collections rather than seeking constant novelty.
