Princess Anne, at the age of 73, made a stunning appearance at the opening of The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences’ new building at Imperial College London’s Hammersmith campus on 25 January. Diverging from her usual elegant and practical style, Anne surprised her fans with a fashionable ensemble, incorporating knee-high black heeled boots.
The Princess Royal’s outfit for the event showcased her tasteful and refined style. She wore a fit and flare emerald dress with a matching knee-length jacket. The black button-down knot clasps on her jacket harmonized with her shoulder bag and winter gloves. This bold choice of outfit demonstrated Princess Anne’s willingness to experiment with her fashion choices and embrace contemporary trends.
From Accessories to Hair and Makeup
To complete her overall look, Princess Anne opted for knee-high black heeled boots. This choice added a modern touch to her outfit and emphasized her confident and independent personality. Her long hair was elegantly secured in an updo, highlighting her classic hairstyle. Minimal makeup was applied, with a focus on her striking red lipstick, which has become her trademark over the years. This simplistic beauty approach perfectly complemented her stylish ensemble.
During the opening of the eight-storey building, Princess Anne had the opportunity to explore various facilities and laboratories. Notably, she visited the ‘fly lab’, the cardiac imaging facility, and Professor David Rueda’s laboratory. The latter, in particular, piqued interest, as researchers employ video game technology to manipulate DNA strands, underscoring the importance of innovation and technology in medical research.
As the Executive Chair of the MRC, Patrick Chinnery expressed his gratitude to Princess Anne for inaugurating the new home of the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. Her continuous support for the MRC, science, and her advocacy for women in STEM fields is highly valued. This event marked a significant milestone, as Princess Anne previously opened the lab’s first building in 1995, highlighting the enduring relationship between Princess Anne and the research community.
Princess Anne’s choice of outfit carried sentimental significance, as she had previously worn it at her father, Prince Philip’s memorial service in 2022, following his passing at the age of 99 in April 2021. During the memorial service, she had paired the outfit with patent bow heels and a matching hat. The decision to rewear this ensemble at the opening of the MRC Laboratory might serve as a subtle tribute to Prince Philip’s involvement with the organization. Additionally, her interest in sustainable fashion could have influenced this choice, aligning with her commitment to environmental consciousness over fast fashion.
Embracing Tradition and Sustainability
Princess Anne’s visit to Sri Lanka earlier this month emphasized her position as the president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association. During her visit, she highlighted the value of traditional manufacturing processes, emphasizing the importance of altering and repurposing outfits rather than embracing throwaway culture. This approach to fashion resonates with the increasing focus on sustainable practices in the industry. The decision to recycle her outfit for the opening of the MRC Laboratory aligns with Princess Anne’s advocacy for sustainable fashion and brings attention to the importance of reducing waste and embracing more mindful consumption habits.
Princess Anne’s fashion choice at the opening of The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences’ new building showcased her ability to adapt and embrace modern trends while maintaining her elegance and refinement. Her departure from her usual style demonstrated her willingness to experiment with fashion and reflect the contemporary zeitgeist. Additionally, the sentimental significance of her outfit, the tribute to Prince Philip, and her interest in sustainable fashion added depth and meaning to her fashion choice. Princess Anne continues to be an influential figure, not only in the British royal family but also in the world of fashion and sustainability.