Princess Anne Champions Sustainable Style at King Charles’s Coronation Anniversary

While the royal family is often associated with grandeur and new couture, Princess Anne continues to prove that true elegance is timeless. On Wednesday, May 6, the Princess Royal marked the third anniversary of King Charles’s coronation by leading the Royal Gun Salute at Hyde Park, making a striking appearance in a wardrobe choice that emphasizes sustainability over trend.

A Masterclass in Sustainable Royal Fashion

Princess Anne arrived at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, sporting one of her most recognizable and enduring wardrobe staples: a long red peacoat. According to Town & Country, the Princess has owned the coat for at least 26 years, cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable fashion within the monarchy.

The red coat is a frequent favorite in the Princess’s rotation. Its history of use is well-documented, having been worn at the Sandringham Christmas walk as far back as 2000, again on December 25 of the most recent year, and during the 2024 Cheltenham Festival horse races.

To complete the look, the Princess accessorized with two gold brooches:

• A horse-shaped pin she has worn since 1987.
• A second pin designed in the shape of a palm leaf.

Leading the Royal Gun Salute at Hyde Park

Beyond the fashion statement, the event underscored Princess Anne’s significant constitutional role. Serving as a Counsellor of State, she is one of a select group of senior royals authorized to act on behalf of the sovereign when the King is absent or unwell. On this occasion, she played a leading public role in her brother’s stead.

The ceremony featured a series of traditional military honors. At noon, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired 41 rounds, followed by a second salute from the Honorable Artillery Company. Princess Anne observed the proceedings from a raised platform and conducted a formal inspection of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery regiment. As noted by Elle Decor, these regiments mirrored the original 2023 coronation day salutes, which were timed to coincide with the crowning of King Charles at Westminster Abbey.

Celebrating the Milestone at Buckingham Palace

The anniversary celebrations extended beyond Hyde Park. Additional gun salutes were carried out at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland and the Tower of London. The day culminated in Buckingham Palace’s first garden party of the year, a tradition dating back to the 1860s designed to honor public service and community contributions.

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted thousands of guests for the event. Princess Anne joined other senior royals, including Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in mingling with the crowd. This celebration follows the King’s recent diplomatic visit to the United States, which included a trip to Bermuda and attendance at The King’s Trust Global Gala at Christie’s in New York City.

Key Takeaways: The Coronation Anniversary

• Sustainable Style: Princess Anne wore a red peacoat owned for over 26 years, highlighting a commitment to repeat-wearing.
• Military Tradition: The Royal Gun Salute at Hyde Park involved 41 rounds fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
• Constitutional Duty: Princess Anne acted in her capacity as Counsellor of State, representing King Charles during the proceedings.
• Wider Celebrations: The milestone was marked by salutes at the Tower of London and Hillsborough Castle, ending with a royal garden party.

Princess Anne’s presence at the anniversary serves as a reminder of the balance between rigid royal tradition and a modern, sustainable approach to public life. As the monarchy continues to evolve, her preference for longevity over luxury sets a quiet but powerful example for the public.