Princess Anne's Bold Hair Transformation Steals Spotlight at Windsor
Few things in royal fashion go unnoticed, but when Princess Anne walked into the opulent halls of Windsor Castle with a brand new hairstyle change, jaws genuinely dropped. After more than half a century sporting her signature 1960s-style bouffant, the 74-year-old Princess Royal decided it was time to try something different—right at one of the year's highest-profile royal events. At the French state banquet, she showed up with a low chignon: a refined, twisted bun swept to the side with an elegant parting, neatly replacing the look she’s championed since the Swinging Sixties.
This was no casual dinner either. The event welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte for the first French state visit to Windsor Castle in over a decade. The guest list read like a royal “who’s who”: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and a reemerging Kate Middleton, who had not attended a formal function since her 2024 cancer diagnosis. While sparkling tiaras and historic gowns were everywhere, Anne’s subtle but striking hairstyle was the subject of non-stop chatter, with everyone wanting a glimpse. Fans quickly described her new look as a “glamorous side bun” and praised the shift as beautifully modern, yet still unmistakably regal.
Anne didn’t stop with just a new hairdo. She reached for her vintage white Maureen Baker gown, the very same one seen in her 70th birthday portraits five years ago. Paired with a matching bolero jacket and topped off with her much-loved Festoon Tiara—a dazzling diamond piece given to her back in 1973—the Princess proved she can mix heritage with a fresh twist. She finished her ensemble with meaningful jewelry: a diamond necklace and earrings that were gifts from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for her 18th birthday, adding extra sentimental sparkle to the historic night.
A Night of Tradition and Change for the Royals
The evening’s timing added extra weight to Anne’s visible transformation. Kate Middleton chose the same occasion for her return to high-profile royal duties, visibly radiant in a tiara after her cancer recovery. It was a strong moment of unity and renewal for the Royal Family. King Charles, leading the event under his own brand of modernized monarchy, underscored the family’s ongoing commitment to diplomatic ties and tradition—even as individual members experiment with their own style.
For years, Anne’s bouffant stood as a symbol of her steady, no-nonsense approach—some would even say stubborn. Changing her hair at an international state dinner was no small move; it signaled openness to change while still respecting tradition. The royal community online lit up with commentary. Some royal fans marveled at Anne’s willingness to try something new after decades, calling the look 'a breath of fresh air,' while others reminisced about the consistency of her previous style. The message was clear: even those at the highest echelons can surprise us, sometimes when we least expect it.
This style shake-up became the unofficial side story of a night dedicated to Franco-British friendship. It gave everyone something to talk about that wasn’t just protocol—a rare chance for a modern moment inside the ultra-traditional walls of Windsor.