Princess Anne in Cape Town: how she’s surprisingly become a fashion icon
When you think of a royal fashion icon, Princess Anne does not immediately come to mind.
She is the hard-working no-nonsense royal who quietly gets things done.
The Princess Royal is visiting South Africa this week and conducted her first day of engagements on Tuesday, January 21 in Cape Town.
Most people associate royal fashion with Princess Diana’s glamour or Kate Middleton’s sophisticated style.
However, Princess Anne shouldn’t be overlooked for her royal style.
Even though her outfits are more practical on her tour in Cape Town – flats, a chic shirt; not tucked in, over a casual pair of pants, she is gaining a following with the younger eco-friendly trend setters who are keen on sustainable clothing.
In fact, Princess Anne’s fashion influence has even reached high fashion circles. Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen, has named Princess Anne as an unlikely muse.
With a timeless and practical wardrobe, she’s proving that chic doesn’t mean chasing trends or buying new.
Her fashion choices are unexpectedly sustainable, subtly aspirational, and refreshingly realistic.
Princess Anne has never been one for the glitz of high fashion. Instead, her style is rooted in practicality and elegance. Think tailored coats, vintage cuts, and bold prints paired with timeless silhouettes.
Her looks aren’t just stylish; they’re functional and built to last – a stark contrast to today’s fleeting fast fashion trends.
One of Princess Anne’s standout moments came during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she donned a striking green coat with sharp tailoring. Worn with her signature confidence, it was a reminder that great style is about knowing what works for you.
The Prince Royal’s wardrobe is all about utility, from classic pea coats paired with scarves to bold vintage prints that feel modern, not outdated. She’s not about wearing outfits you can’t even walk in (looking at you, Kardashian-inspired couture).
What makes her approach to fashion unique is her commitment to re-wearing and re-styling her clothes.
She’s been photographed wearing the same outfits years apart, proving that good fashion is timeless. In 2020, she rocked a fabulous purple jacket that she’d been styling for decades.
In a world where trends change faster than TikTok algorithms, Princess Anne’s wardrobe feels like a breath of fresh air.
By reusing pieces from her younger years and holding onto quality garments, she’s showing that style can have longevity. And she’s not alone in this mindset.
Thrift stores and vintage shopping have seen a massive resurgence, with more people embracing the charm of pre-loved items.
From eco-conscious millennials to Gen Z trendsetters, reusing and upcycling clothing has become a badge of honour in the fight against over-consumption.
Sustainable fashion is no longer a niche topic. With climate change on everyone’s radar, the fashion industry’s environmental impact is under scrutiny.
Princess Anne’s wardrobe choices feel remarkably ahead of their time, aligning perfectly with today’s push for mindful consumption.
It’s no surprise her bold prints, elegant cuts, and enduring wardrobe staples make a compelling case for sustainability and self-assured style.
But perhaps the most striking acknowledgement of her fashion influence came during Milan Fashion Week in 2024 when Fendi showcased a collection inspired by the princess herself.
Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi, known for her work with the brand, called Princess Anne “the chicest woman in the world”, praising her ability to maintain her femininity while often wearing uniform-like outfits that defy traditional gender norms.
“I liked the idea of breaking barriers, breaking the masculine and feminine codes, that don’t exist anymore. They shouldn’t exist anymore,’’ Fendi told ” ITV News“.
The Fendi Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 menswear collection featured trench coats, tweed, and Wellington boots – staples often seen on the princess as she goes about her royal duties.
Fendi emphasised that the collection was about longevity, creating pieces that are “garments for life,” rather than disposable fashion.
This mirrors Princess Anne’s approach as the president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, where she advocates for creating timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends.