The Real Reason Princess Anne Dresses Differently From Other Royal Women At Trooping The Color

Jun 23, 2026 by apost team

Every year at Trooping the Color, royal watchers admire the elegant coats, dresses, and hats worn by the women of the royal family. This year was no different. Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, arrived in carefully coordinated outfits that quickly drew attention. Yet standing apart from them was Princess Anne, whose appearance always sparks a different kind of conversation.

While other royal women typically arrive in formal occasion wear, Anne consistently appears in military uniform. The contrast was especially noticeable during this year’s King’s Birthday Parade, where the Princess Royal rode on horseback through central London while wearing a ceremonial military ensemble rather than a dress and hat.

The reason has little to do with personal style and everything to do with royal tradition and duty.

For decades, members of the royal family with military affiliations have worn military dress during major state occasions. Anne’s role as Colonel of the Blues and Royals means she participates in the parade differently from many other senior royals. Rather than traveling in a carriage, she joins the mounted procession on horseback, riding alongside Prince William and Prince Edward.

This year, Anne rode a horse named Noble, while William rode Darby and Edward rode Sir John. The trio also wore the Collars of the Order of the Garter and the Sash of the Order of the Thistle, emphasizing the ceremonial importance of the event.

The Princess Royal’s distinctive look included a bicorn hat, jodhpurs, riding boots, and the Full Mounted Ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals. While the outfit may seem unusual compared to the fashion-focused appearances of other royal women, it reflects one of the responsibilities that has defined Anne’s public life for decades.

Although Princess Anne never formally served in the military like her brothers King Charles III and Prince Andrew, few members of the royal family have maintained stronger ties to Britain’s armed forces. Over the years, she has accumulated numerous military appointments and honorary titles that reflect her long-standing commitment to service.

Today, Anne serves as an honorary Rear Admiral and is also patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. Since 2020, she has held the ranks of General in the British Army and Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force. Those positions help explain why military uniform remains such a significant part of her public appearances.

The medals displayed on her uniform during Trooping the Color tell their own story. Among them are the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, the Silver Jubilee Medal, the Golden Jubilee Medal, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Canadian Forces Decoration, and several other honors recognizing decades of public service.

Yet for many royal observers, Anne’s military dress represents something larger than ceremonial tradition. It reflects the role she has quietly carved out within the monarchy. While other members of the royal family often generate headlines through fashion, family milestones, or public appearances, Anne has built a reputation around duty and consistency.

Year after year, she carries out hundreds of engagements connected to military organizations, charities, and patronages. Her workload frequently places her among the hardest-working royals, a title she has earned through decades of steady service rather than public fanfare.

That is why, when Trooping the Color comes around each year, Anne is not dressed differently from the other royal women by accident. The military uniform is a visible reminder of the responsibilities she continues to uphold, and of a royal role she has spent a lifetime honoring. 

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Have you ever wondered why Princess Anne stands out during royal events like Trooping the Color? Do you think she is one of the most underrated members of the royal family? Let us know in the comments and pass this on to your family, friends, and other royal fans out there!