Princess Anne Dons Her Beloved Diamond Festoon Tiara and Signature Hairstyle at the State Banquet
Princess Anne Dazzles in Festoon Tiara at State Banquet
Princess Anne captivated attendees at a state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Thursday, December 5, as she welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the United Kingdom. The 75-year-old royal chose to wear her beloved Festoon Tiara, an exquisite piece adorned with diamonds and topped with a prominent pearl.
The Festoon Tiara, originally designed with a base of collet diamonds, underwent modifications when Princess Michael replaced the diamonds with a row of pearls. While its origins remain uncertain, it is believed to have been crafted by Cartier around 1900 and may have been inherited from Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. Princess Anne received the tiara in May 1973, just before her 23rd birthday, as reported by Hello Magazine.
In addition to the tiara, Anne paired her jewelry with elegant pearl earrings and a coordinating choker featuring gold hardware. Her ensemble consisted of a black dress embellished with silver crystals, featuring a scoop neckline and a floor-length skirt, complemented by a matching cropped jacket. To stay warm before dinner, she added a fuzzy cardigan.
Opting for a natural makeup look, Anne highlighted her features with mascara and soft pink lips. She sported her signature bouffant hairstyle, a look she has maintained for half a century. Reflecting on her iconic updo, the princess mentioned in her 2020 documentary, Princess Royal: Anne at 70, that it takes her only a few minutes to style, contrasting with the extensive time required by her counterpart, Erin Doherty, who portrays a younger Anne in The Crown.
"Actually, I read an article the other day about Netflix and The Crown, but the actress was talking about how long it took them to do their hair like I did," she remarked, adding, "And I’m thinking, ‘How could you possibly take that long?’ I mean, it takes me 10 or 15 minutes."
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Princess Anne’s striking appearance comes as other royals, including Kate Middleton, also make headlines for their stunning banquet looks. Middleton previously dazzled in a blue Jenny Packham sequin dress with a dramatic cape and Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, adorned with 2,600 diamonds, highlighting the elegance that continues to define royal events.
