This autumn, Princess Anne has captivated fashion enthusiasts with her preference for chic knee-high boots, oscillating between a sleek black pair and a rustic brown variant adorned with country-esque tassels. However, her recent excursion to Edinburgh introduced an unexpected twist to her sartorial choices. For this particular event, the Princess Royal opted for a pair of striking royal blue velvet loafers. These slip-ons not only showcased comfort but also exhibited a sophisticated flair, enhanced by an intriguing toe design that set them apart from more conventional footwear. This surprising choice served to underscore her fashion-forward sensibilities within a royal framework.
During her visit to The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s headquarters at Edinburgh Castle—where she holds the esteemed title of Deputy Colonel-in-Chief—Princess Anne paired her loafers with an exquisitely tailored skirt suit that turned heads. The suit, characterized by its vintage charm, was a remarkable find from her own closet, having been donned last in 1984. Observers were quick to note this piece’s remarkable condition; three decades later, it remains pristine, offering a glimpse into the enduring nature of classic royal fashion. This did not merely signify a revival of past trends but illuminated the ever-relevant concept of sustainability in fashion today.
Princess Anne is not alone in her adoration for velvet. The fashionable fabric has made its mark across the royal family. Notably, her nephew Prince William made headlines at the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” with his own black velvet loafers crafted by Crockett & Jones. Featuring distinctive airplane embroidery, his shoes echoed the event’s theme and showcased a playful yet refined approach to formal wear. His choice of a velvet jacket further emphasized that this luxurious material is firmly embedded in royal fashion.
Princess Beatrice and other royal figures have also leaned towards velvet, with Beatrice turning heads in block-heeled shoes and a matching velvet headband during a festive occasion. Her mother, Sarah Ferguson, exhibited a sense of humor with her embroidered loafers, playfully displaying the family’s unofficial motto across her footwear. Meanwhile, Princess Kate has made headlines for her own velvet selections, notably her Jimmy Choo Romy shoes in an eye-catching oxblood hue.
As the holiday season approaches, it is reasonable to anticipate an uptick in royal appearances showcasing this sumptuous fabric. The luxurious aesthetic of velvet seamlessly marries tradition with contemporary style, making it an ideal fabric choice for festive events. The trend initiated by Princess Anne may inspire even more royals to explore velvet in their wardrobe choices, reaffirming the fabric’s status as a staple in royal fashion.
Princess Anne’s recent fashion statements reveal how royal style can blend timeless elegance with modern trends. As we witness the resurgence of cloth like velvet in royal wardrobes, it is a reminder of the powerful intersection between fashion, heritage, and personal expression that is often exhibited by the British royal family.