Princess Anne’s second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence was a groundbreaking event that defied tradition and royal protocols. At the time, it was forbidden for members of the Church of England to remarry after divorce during the lifetime of their former spouse. However, Princess Anne boldly bent the rules by marrying her love in Scotland and wearing a very unroyal mini dress for the occasion.
A Different Approach
Unlike her first wedding dress, which was trumpet-sleeved and Tudor-inspired, Princess Anne opted for practicality with her second wedding attire. She chose to wear an off-white jacket and flippy matching skirt instead of the traditional billowing train, ethereal veil, and royal wedding tiara. Her hair was styled in a voluminous beehive adorned with delicate white flowers, a stark contrast to the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara she wore for her first marriage.
Princess Anne’s rebellious spirit was further displayed through her choice of footwear. She wore black court shoes on her special day, breaking the age-old tradition of wearing white, ivory, or neutral-toned shoes. While short wedding dresses were becoming more common in the 90s, Princess Anne’s thigh-grazing skirt was still considered daring for a royal bride during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Royal protocol at the time favored longer hemlines, with senior members of the royal family expected to wear skirts that fell at least to the knee.
Inspiration from Fashion Icons
Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn, Sharon Tate, and Mia Farrow, Princess Anne embraced the trend of bridal minis. She became the only British royal to wear a short wedding dress, paving the way for future brides to break away from tradition. Her daring fashion choice highlighted her individuality and willingness to challenge norms within the royal family.
Princess Anne’s relationship with Sir Timothy Laurence was not without scandal. The two met in the late 1980s while Anne was still married to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. Their personal letters were leaked to the media, although the contents were never disclosed. Buckingham Palace issued a statement addressing the incident, stating that the stolen letters were addressed to Princess Anne by Commander Timothy Laurence, the Queen’s Equerry. Despite the drama surrounding their courtship, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy are still happily married to this day.
Princess Anne’s second wedding was a remarkable event that defied tradition and showcased her independent spirit. From her unconventional choice of attire to her controversial romance with Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne challenged the expectations placed upon members of the royal family. Her boldness and willingness to break the rules set her apart as a royal figure who was unafraid to pave her path.