Princess Anne's 'simplistic' wedding dress was inspired by one of history's most famous monarchs - and it's not Queen Elizabeth II
The Princess Royal married her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, in 1973
![Princess Anne's wedding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZMChhEnisZhZs2XSzDTZwj-415-80.jpg)
Princess Anne's wedding dress was a 'Tudor-style' gown. Worn for her first wedding in 1973 it was inspired not by her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, but by another of history's most female monarchs - Queen Elizabeth I.
- The design of Princess Anne's 'simplistic' Tudor-style wedding dress "took inspiration from the court dresses of Elizabeth I" according to specialists.
- The Princess Royal wore the gown, which featured a seven-foot-long train, for her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973.
- In other royal news, Princess Anne proves brown suede is back in style with slouchy handbag and matching knee-high boots on Coronation Street set.
Princess Anne has always been one of the Royal Family's most fashionable members. While today she makes headlines for her brilliant hat collection, her most recent choice giving off Jamiroquai vibes and proving she is the ultimate style queen, the Princess Royal's most famous fashion choice has to be her 1973 wedding gown.
The dress was made for the Princess by Maureen Baker, the chief designer at Susan Smalls, and featured a lot of Tudor influence. The simple princess line silhouette perfectly merged classic with cool, with the addition of medieval trumpet sleeves and a fabulously extravagant seven-foot-long train leaving the dress imprinted on the minds of royal fans.
Walking down the aisle on November 14, 1973, the gown's high neckline and pearl embroidery drew comparisons to the Tudor style of dress, with specialists now sharing that Anne was likely inspired by the infamous Queen Elizabeth I as opposed to her own mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Specialists at Steven Stone Jewellers explained that Princess Anne, (who was the first of the Queen and then Duke of Edinburgh’s children to get married), took inspiration from the court dresses of the first Elizabethan era. They said, "Full-length trumpet sleeves and huge cuffs reminiscent of Elizabethan ruffs became one of the most memorable parts of this royal wedding dress."
The cuffs seem to be where the royal comparisons stop. Anne's dress was vastly different from the extravagant styles usually worn at royal weddings, but the simplistic design was very similar to the then-current-day 1970s wedding trends. Ever the fashionista, Anne was likely drawn to the trending look of the modern era, wanting to show off her impeccable style even if it did mean deviating from tradition.
But Anne did decide to follow some royal traditions during her wedding ceremony. Accessorizing the modern dress, she opted for the grand Queen Mary’s Fringe tiara which her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, wore as her “something borrowed” during her wedding ceremony to Prince Philip in 1947.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The stunning headpiece was created by E Wolff & Co who have made several major tiaras for the Royal Family. Queen Mary’s Fringe tiara was crafted from a necklace that was given to, unsurprisingly, Queen Mary by Queen Victoria. The jewelry was then commissioned by Mary to be repurposed into the dazzling tiara.
Princess Beatrice most recently wore the iconic headpiece when she wed Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a secret and intimate ceremony at Windsor.
Continuing the royal references, Anne’s golden wedding band was cast from the same Welsh gold that features in the wedding rings of her mother, grandmother, and aunt.
Following her and Mark Phillips separation in 1989, the Princess Royal married Timothy Laurence at the end of 1992, the same year her divorce from Mark was finally finalized.
The pair were forced to marry at the Church of Scotland as, at the time of their nuptials, the Church of England, the Church the Royal Family preside over, didn't approve of remarriage after divorce.
Perhaps it was because of this that Princess Anne stepped out in a more low-key wedding outfit for her second ceremony. The Princess wore a high-necked white midi dress and matching suit jacket, accessorizing the chic, pared-back look with black court shoes and her iconic beehive.
For her bouquet, Anne carried a small posy of heather and also sported some of the sprigs in her hair. The decision likely stemmed from the fact heather symbolizes good luck - an ideal bloom for wedding day bouquets.
Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is royal news and entertainment writer. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food and The Independent.
-
Helen Skelton's camo trousers with cool walking boots and summery shades may have just sold us on the statement print
Could this be the new trouser trend to watch?
By Amelia Yeomans Published
-
Pippa Middleton's striking jumpsuit illusion proved that black and white outfits don't have to be basic
Pippa Middleton wore a dramatic black and white co-ord to Wimbledon in 2015 and it looked like the most gorgeous monochrome jumpsuit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne's nickname for King Charles is unusual to say the least but it reflects their 'very close' bond
The Princess Royal has the sweetest nickname for her brother King Charles and has been described by an expert as his 'right-hand woman'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Was Timothy Laurence married before Princess Anne and how did they meet?
Sir Timothy Laurence has been married to Princess Anne for decades and here's all you need to know about their royal romance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Where does Princess Anne live? All we know about the sprawling Gatcombe Park Estate that she and other royals call home
Princess Anne lives in the gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside and she shares her historic estate with several other royals
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne in hospital with 'minor injuries' and concussion after incident at royal estate
The Princess Royal is currently in hospital after an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate, Buckingham Palace has confirmed
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 touching moments between Princess Anne and Zara Tindall
The Princess Royal and her only daughter, Zara Tindall, share a love of sports, but it goes far beyond that as these photos prove
By Jack Slater Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s flower power dress and voluminous up-do combination proves you should never be afraid of going bold
Princess Anne went all-out for a special evening event in 1973 with a vibrant floral gown and a glamorous updo
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What happened to Jim Beaton and was Princess Anne really almost kidnapped? Former protection officer speaks out 50 years on
You might be wondering what happened to Jim Beaton as Princess Anne's former protection officer reflects upon a terrifying royal incident
By Emma Shacklock Published