Princess Anne’s second wedding to Sir Timothy Laurence in Scotland was a groundbreaking event in the royal family’s history. Despite the Church of England’s prohibition on remarrying after divorce during the lifetime of a former spouse, Princess Anne defied tradition and tied the knot for the second time. The practicality of her outfit was a marked departure from the typical royal bridal attire, as she opted for an off-white jacket and matching skirt instead of a billowing train, ethereal veil, and a royal wedding tiara.
Rebellious Fashion
The rebellious spirit of Princess Anne was evident in her choice of attire for her second wedding. She eschewed the traditional long wedding gown for a short skirt that was considered unconventional for a royal bride. In a further departure from tradition, Princess Anne wore black court shoes instead of the traditional white, ivory, or neutral-toned shoes. Her fashion choices were influenced by the changing trends of the time, as short wedding dresses became more accepted by brides in the 90s.
Princess Anne’s decision to wear a short wedding dress was a bold move that set her apart from other British royal brides. She took inspiration from fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Sharon Tate, and Mia Farrow, who had embraced bridal minis years before her. Despite the expectations of royal protocol that favored longer hemlines for senior members of the royal family, Princess Anne remained true to her own sense of style and individuality.
Personal Controversy
Princess Anne’s personal life was also subject to scrutiny during her second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence. Personal letters between the Princess and Commander Timothy Laurence were leaked to the press, causing a scandal. Buckingham Palace issued a statement regarding the stolen letters, but the contents were never made public. Despite the drama surrounding their relationship, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy remain happily married to this day.
Princess Anne’s second wedding was a testament to her independence and defiance of traditional norms. By choosing to marry for the second time and wearing a non-traditional wedding outfit, she paved the way for future royal brides to express their individuality through fashion choices. Princess Anne’s bold spirit and unapologetic approach to life continue to inspire others to embrace their true selves and break free from societal expectations.