Princess Anne is a timeless style icon, known for her striking outfits and dazzling jewels. Not only does she have impeccable fashion sense, but she is also renowned for re-wearing standout pieces from her collection.
On March 17, the Princess Royal attended the 30th Anniversary International Financial Review Annual Awards Dinner at Grosvenor House Hotel in London, wearing a vibrant green paisley-printed dress.
This eye-catching gown has been in her wardrobe for decades—she first wore it in 1971 when accepting the Sportswoman of the Year award at the Sports Writers’ Ball.
Her outfit choice wasn’t the only nod to the past. Anne also accessorized with a stunning choker, the same piece she famously wore to Prince William’s wedding gala in 2011.
A Necklace with Royal History
Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone from Steven Stone described the exquisite necklace as featuring “four rows of pearls interspersed with 20 diamond bars, all centered around an angular sapphire and diamond clasp.”
The choker has an illustrious history, originally belonging to Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia in the 1890s. It was later acquired by Queen Mary, who frequently wore it throughout the 1930s.
Following Queen Mary’s passing in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II inherited the piece. However, as the late Queen rarely wore chokers, she gifted it to her daughter, Princess Anne, in the early 1970s.
“Since then, the Princess Royal has reserved it for special occasions, including her milestone birthday in 2000 and Prince William’s wedding gala in 2011,” Maxwell explained. He estimates the necklace’s value at approximately £200,000—a reflection of both its history and breathtaking design.
A Champion of Sustainable Fashion
Anne’s green paisley dress is another testament to her commitment to sustainable fashion. She has worn the outfit multiple times over the years, including during an appearance at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The royal has long been ahead of her time when it comes to reusing and repurposing outfits, often tailoring and updating pieces to suit different occasions. She favors vintage designs, proving that her style remains effortlessly elegant across the decades.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Anne once remarked: “I’m quite mean. I still try and buy materials and have them made up because I just think that’s more fun. It also helps to support those who still manufacture in this country. We mustn’t forget we’ve got those skills, and there are still places that do a fantastic job.”
Jewelry with Personal Meaning
Princess Anne often chooses jewelry with sentimental significance. At the Commonwealth Day celebrations in March, she wore a stalactite brooch gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth II before her 1973 wedding to Captain Mark Phillips. She also donned floral-inspired earrings dating back to 1984, which she originally wore on a royal visit to Gambia.
Through her timeless wardrobe and meaningful jewelry choices, the Princess Royal continues to blend tradition with her own distinct style.
