Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is renowned for her signature bouffant updo, a style she has worn consistently for over four decades. However, there was a time when the royal wasn’t afraid to experiment with her hairstyle, offering glimpses of her evolving look over the years.
A Rare Throwback to Cascading Curls
On March 16, 1970, during a formal event in New Zealand, Princess Anne stunned onlookers by wearing her brunette hair in an elegant half-updo with cascading ringlet curls. Complementing this dramatic hairstyle was the iconic Cartier Halo Tiara, a family heirloom later famously worn by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, during her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
The rare sight of Anne with her hair down captivated royal fans and showcased her ability to effortlessly embrace different looks. The stunning ringlets added a youthful sophistication to her appearance, contrasting the iconic bouffant style she would later adopt as her trademark.
Experimenting with Styles
While Princess Anne is best known today for her polished updo, she occasionally experimented with her hairstyle during her younger years. At the 1975 Burghley Horse Trials, she deviated slightly from her usual look, choosing a sleek and glossy ponytail. A few years earlier, in 1971, she presented an award at the Royal Albert Hall, sporting an elegant mid-height bun. The twisted design of the updo gave her hair the appearance of a delicate rose, proving her versatility in royal fashion.
Even further back, in 1963, a 13-year-old Princess Anne donned a short curly bob for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. The youthful style, paired with the royal family’s traditional attire, was a stark contrast to the sophisticated hairstyles we associate with her today.
The Iconic Bouffant: A Royal Legacy
By the late 1970s, Princess Anne settled on her now-signature bouffant updo—a voluminous masterpiece perfected with meticulous detail. Known for its seamless finish and longevity, the style has become an integral part of Anne’s public image. Speaking in the 2020 documentary Princess Royal: Anne at 70, Princess Anne revealed how much time and effort it takes to achieve this iconic look, often garnering admiration for its timeless elegance.
While Anne’s bouffant updo remains her hallmark, her occasional forays into different hairstyles remind us of her adaptability and flair for embracing both tradition and individuality.
A Royal Style Evolution
Princess Anne’s hairstyles over the decades offer insight into the evolution of royal style and personal expression. From cascading curls to her enduring bouffant, her hair journey is as fascinating as the royal life she leads. Anne may favor her classic look, but royal fans will always cherish these rare moments when her hair told its own story.