Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, Princess Anne, stepped into the public eye wearing a look that carried the warmth of the past into a modern royal occasion. On the second day of Royal Ascot, the 72-year-old princess arrived at Berkshire Racecourse in an ensemble that felt both nostalgic and intentionally contemporary. The centerpiece was a blue dress with a soft turn-down collar and a pleated skirt that fell neatly to the knees, a silhouette she first wore in 1978 when she was 27. The garment’s revival wasn’t merely a nod to a favorite era; it spoke to Princess Anne’s well-known practicality and her keen sense of personal style, one that favors clean lines, understated elegance, and pieces that withstand changing trends without losing their charm. In addition to the dress, she complemented the look with a coordinating blue hat, a milky jacket, and gloves, ensuring a polished, cohesive appearance from head to toe. Her footwear remained understated with low heels, a choice that reflects the princess’s preference for comfort and functionality during long days of public events. The jewelry chosen to accompany the outfit was similarly restrained yet striking: pearl earrings and a string of pearls, which added a touch of classic radiance without overpowering the ensemble, along with a Cartier brooch known as Pine Flower, a piece historically associated with Queen Anne Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon’s era. The overall effect was a respectful homage to vintage fashion that still projects confidence and contemporary grace, underscoring the princess’s enduring influence on royal style.
Earlier in the week, the line between tradition and modernity continued to define Ascot’s fashion conversation. On the first day of the royal races, King Charles III attended with Queen Camilla, and their choices signaled a blend of timeless elegance with French couture inspiration. Queen Camilla leaned into Dior’s refined aesthetic, embracing a look that echoes the house’s legacy of poised, feminine design. The pairing of classic royal presence with a modern fashion vocabulary highlighted the ongoing dialogue between longstanding sartorial codes and fresh interpretations of those codes. The emphasis on Dior’s influence illustrates how royal appearances at Ascot often become stage settings for fashion diplomacy—showcasing heritage while inviting contemporary craft and design sensibilities into the spotlight. The moment also reflected a broader pattern in which the royal wardrobe serves as a visual narrative of leadership, tradition, and evolving style preferences, inviting spectators to appreciate the careful balance between ceremonial attire and personal expression. As public attention lingers on silhouette, fabric, and accessory choices, the individuals involved continue to shape Ascot’s reputation as a showcase where heritage meets today’s design sensibilities in a way that resonates with audiences in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States alike.