The News
Princess Anne Dazzles with a New Look: A Subtle Hairstyle Change After 50 Years
In an exciting twist for royal watchers, Princess Anne has made a subtle yet striking change to her iconic hairstyle after more than five decades.
Known for her elegant and polished swept-up bouffant, the 74-year-old royal recently debuted a fresh look at the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal Albert Hall on November 9th.
This event marked a significant moment, as it showcased not only her enduring style but also her willingness to embrace a new chapter in her appearance.
For over 50 years, Princess Anne has sported a hairstyle reminiscent of a ballerina's chignon, a signature look that she first introduced as a teenager in 1980.
However, this past weekend, attendees noticed a subtle transformation in her hair color, which appeared several shades darker.
The mother-of-two's light brown locks now shimmered with deep oak-like tones, presenting a luxurious chocolate mane that beautifully complemented her understated makeup.
A striking berry red lipstick added a touch of vibrancy to her overall appearance, making her stand out among the crowd.
What's remarkable is that despite the intricate look of her hairstyle, it reportedly takes only about 10 to 15 minutes to achieve.
This practicality reflects Princess Anne's no-nonsense approach to beauty, differing from her late sister-in-law, Princess Diana, who was celebrated for her trend-setting fashion.
While Anne's beehive hairstyle has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the years, she remains its most devoted advocate, famously pinning her hair up shortly after giving birth to her children, Peter and Zara.
At the festival, Princess Anne exuded grace while interacting with guests.
Dressed in a sculpted black dress layered with a tailored suit jacket, she embodied regal elegance.
Her outfit featured slightly elevated shoulders and satin lapels, further enhancing her sophisticated appearance.
Unlike her contemporary, Princess Kate, who often opts for high-heeled pumps, Anne chose sleek patent black loafers and tights, demonstrating a preference for comfort without sacrificing style.
Meanwhile, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has noted a distinct difference in how certain royals, like Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, approach their public lives compared to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In recent years, the Sussexes have dominated headlines, drawing significant media coverage, while other senior royals have maintained a more low-key profile.
Fitzwilliams emphasizes that while attention is essential for the royal family, not every member seeks the same level of spotlight.
The dynamic within the royal family shifted dramatically when Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in January 2020.
Their move to California marked the beginning of a new chapter, leaving a vacuum that other royals, including William and Kate, have had to fill.
Consequently, the workload for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has increased significantly, as they take on more responsibilities in the absence of the Sussexes.
Despite their extensive engagements, Princess Anne and Sophie continue to carry out important royal duties without chasing media attention.
Fitzwilliams points out that both royals are not particularly high-profile figures in the media, even though they conduct numerous official visits and contribute to various charitable causes.
Their approach seems to prioritize duty over fame, as they focus on their responsibilities without seeking the same level of public adoration.
Princess Anne, often recognized as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, completed the highest number of public engagements in 2023.
Known for her dedication and sense of duty, she continues to serve with distinction, yet remains largely out of the media's glare.
When she does appear in interviews, it's typically to discuss her charitable efforts rather than personal matters, reinforcing her commitment to public service.
The primary aim of royal tours is to foster diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges, and charitable initiatives.
Princess Anne frequently represents the monarchy on these international trips, promoting significant causes.
However, these engagements often lack the media frenzy that accompanies high-profile trips taken by Harry and Meghan, whose unofficial tours have drawn intense scrutiny.
Fitzwilliams highlights that the Sussexes' international engagements, such as their planned visit to Colombia, continue to overshadow the activities of their royal counterparts.
The couple's post-royal life has been marked by a desire to build their personal brand, often resulting in substantial media coverage that the rest of the royal family struggles to match.
While Harry and Meghan's choices have created a stark contrast within the royal family, Princess Anne and Sophie remain dedicated to their roles, focusing on their responsibilities without seeking the limelight.
Each royal member has chosen a different path, reflecting the diverse ways in which they fulfill their duties.
As the royal family navigates this evolving landscape, it's evident that not all members share the same desire for attention, with some content to work quietly behind the scenes.