Princess Anne has made a significant change for the first time in 50 years.
Anne cut an elegant figure as she attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.
The Princess Royal, 74, appeared in a sophisticated black ensemble, featuring a sculpted dress paired with a tailored suit jacket with satin lapels.
Her monochrome outfit was complemented by patent black loafers and tights, whilst a printed black and white scarf added subtle dimension to the look.
Princess Anne makes significant change for the first time in 50 years
PA
The royal’s attendance at the prestigious event marked a rare departure from her usual style, with a notable change to her signature appearance.
The most striking change in the Princess Royal’s appearance was her hair colour, which appeared noticeably darker than usual at the remembrance event.
Her signature balletic chignon, typically styled in a light brown shade, was transformed into a deep chocolate hue that perfectly complemented her berry red lipstick.
The subtle yet distinctive change marked a rare deviation from Princess Anne’s usual styling choices, drawing attention from royal watchers.
Princess Anne stepped out with darker hair at the Festival of Remembrance
PA
Despite the colour transformation, she maintained her trademark upswept hairstyle, demonstrating her commitment to the classic look she has made her own.
Princess Anne’s commitment to her signature hairstyle spans an impressive five decades of royal service.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter has maintained the same sleek and elegant upswept style since her teenage years, rarely deviating from her trademark look.
Such is her dedication to the balletic chignon that she even ensured her hair was perfectly pinned up before leaving hospital after giving birth to her children, Peter and Zara.
Princess Anne has kept the same up-swept hairstyle since her teen years
PA
While the beehive style has fluctuated in popularity through the decades, the Princess Royal has remained its most steadfast advocate.
At the Festival of Remembrance, Princess Anne paired her oversized poppy brooch with a striking silver brooch featuring a large oval pearl.
The pearl brooch holds particular significance, having been worn by the Queen Mother during Prince Michael of Kent’s christening in 1942.
The Princess Royal was first spotted wearing this rare piece at the annual dinner of the Royal Academy of Engineers in July 2023.
Princess Anne pictured on Remembrance SundayPAThe choice of pearls was particularly fitting for the occasion, as they are considered more discrete than diamonds and deemed more respectful during periods of remembrance.
November stands as one of the few occasions where members of the Royal Family exclusively don black attire outside of official mourning periods.
This tradition serves as a mark of respect for the fallen members of the Armed Forces.
The wearing of poppy brooches during this period is also deeply significant, symbolising support for the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Princess Anne’s choice of attire at the Festival of Remembrance thus perfectly aligned with these long-standing royal traditions, whilst incorporating her subtle yet noteworthy personal style evolution.