Princess Anne has stepped out in a dress she first wore back in 1978 during her visit to the United Arab Emirates as part of her role as President of The Mission to Seafarers.
The Princess Royal, who recently paid tribute to her late mother, continued with her royal engagements this week as she visited the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) hotel in Dubai in what is her second overseas royal tour of the year so far.
For the occasion, the 73 year old opted for a trusty blue frock that she has had in her wardrobe for an impressive 46 years, with the royal first wearing the dress when she was just 26 years old.
The gorgeous pleated dress has an A-line shape and features a fitted bodice and flowing skirt. The chic piece also features a large collar, subtle puff sleeves and a check pattern on the upper portion.
Princess Anne first sported the look back in 1978 during the state visit of President Khama of Botswana in London in which she accompanied her mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Over the years, the royal has proven that she isn’t afraid to rewear items from her wardrobe, much like the Princess of Wales, and has worn the aquamarine outfit a number of times, such as at the Royal Ascot in 2023.
The Princess Royal’s most recent outing comes after she handed out honours at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, 6 February, where she became the first royal to return to public engagements following the news of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis.
During the ceremony, Princess Anne made conductor Ivor Bolton and tenor Nicky Spence a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), with them both being recognised for services to music.
Rugby union referee Sara Cox and wheelchair rugby league player James Simpson also received honours.
Following news of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis and with Kate Middleton not expected to return to public duties until after Easter, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has spoken to OK! about why it is better the royals are criticised for being too few in number, rather than being too many.
“This crisis has definitely highlighted how very thin on the ground working royals are now - and it’s only going to get worse until George, Charlotte and Louis grow up,” she said.
“However, from a PR perspective, I think it’s much better for the Royal Family to be criticised for being too few rather than too many.”
