Princess Anne demonstrated her flair for diplomatic fashion during an important three-day visit to Greece this past weekend, marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
The Princess Royal, now 75, made a stunning entrance in Athens on Friday as she visited the Presidential Mansion. Her meeting with President Konstantinos Tasoulas was part of her duties as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
In a nod to the Greek flag, Anne wore a striking blue A-line dress with a smart cropped jacket, complemented by white gloves and shoes, showcasing a thoughtful choice of attire. She was accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
Adding a touch of history to her ensemble, Anne adorned her jacket with the 12-diamond Gold Ribbon Brooch, a cherished piece of jewelry she first donned in February 1969 and has since become a wardrobe staple.
Anne’s sartorial choice not only highlights the enduring relationship between the UK and Greece but also underscores her personal connection to the nation. Her father, the late Prince Philip, was born on the Greek island of Corfu.
During her discussion with President Tasoulas in the former Royal Palace, Anne remarked on the deep historical significance of the commemorations for both nations, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and shared history.
Anne then travelled to Crete where she visited Chania, Souda Bay and Maleme – all places which are deeply intertwined with the island’s history and the events of 1941.
On Saturday, she attended a memorial service at the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery in Chania to honour the Allied forces during the historic battle – with the Princess Royal captured laying a wreath as a mark of respect.
Princess Anne showcased her diplomatic dressing during a three-day visit to Greece over the weekend to commemorate 85 years since the Battle of Crete. Pictured: Anne and Sir Tim with President Konstantinos Tasoulas
Pinned to her elegant jacket was her historic 12-diamond Gold Ribbon Brooch which Anne was first seen wearing in February 1969 and has become a staple part of the princess’s wardrobe
Anne’s diplomatic dressing not only reinforces the long-standing ties between the UK and Greece, but also her own personal connection to the country, with her father, the late Prince Philip, born in Corfu
There, she addressed the congregation before meeting with descendants of Cretan resistance fighters and Allied veterans.
Making a statement with a stylish red jacket and white pearl earrings, Anne spoke with guests during a reception held at the Grand Arsenal Conference Centre in Chania.
Later, she swapped her red jacket for a brown shade as she attended a remembrance service at the Royal Air Force Memorial Maleme in Crete and toured the site with Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Andy McIntyre.
To conclude her three-day Greek visit, the royal attended the Civic Flag Parade and Royal Air Force display.
Subtly reflecting her commitment to diplomatic dressing and to echo the colours of the Greek flag, Anne opted for a blue and white floral dress with a dark blue jacket and belt.
Pairing her stylish look with a suitable set of sunglasses for the scorching sun, Anne and Sir Tim were all smiles as they enjoyed the display, before touring the Firkas Fortress and Maritime Museum of Crete to learn more about the nation’s history.
The Battle of Crete saw British, Greek, Australian and New Zealand forces defend the island for 11 days before German invasion and resulted in 6,500 casualties, including 4,500 killed or missing.
Anne’s Greek visit comes amid an incredibly busy time for the hard-working princess, who is expected to play a ‘pivotal’ role in keeping The Firm afloat amid the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Following her meeting with the Greek President, Anne travelled to Crete where she visited Chania, Souda Bay and Maleme – all places which are deeply intertwined with the island’s history and the events of 1941
On day three of her Greek visit, Anne toured the Firkas Fortress and Maritime Museum of Crete to learn more about the nation’s history
On Saturday, Anne attended a memorial service at the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery in Chania to honour the Allied forces during the historic battle – with the Princess Royal laying a wreath as a mark of respect
Anne’s Greek visit comes amid an incredibly busy time for the hard-working princess, who is expected to play a ‘pivotal’ role in keeping The Firm afloat amid the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
As the Royal Family navigate the scandal, they will be looking to their down-to-earth and hardworking ‘trump card’ – the Princess Royal, who is ‘synonymous with dedication to duty’, said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.
Mr Fitzwilliams previously told the Daily Mail: ‘She relishes a high workload and usually undertakes the most royal engagements of any royal. However, she prefers to avoid the media circus that follows the most high-profile royals.
‘She is absolutely pivotal in keeping public support for the monarchy.’
The royal expert added that a wise and insightful Anne may likely be able to assist her brother, King Charles, with his handling of the crisis.
He explained: ‘What Anne can offer King Charles, who reportedly has been under pressure from William over his handling of this crisis, is down-to-earth advice.’
Mr Fitzwilliams noted that the royal siblings may ‘not always agree’, but says that in such unprecedented circumstances ‘it is pivotal that Charles listens to views which differ or are opposed to his own’.
Over the course of the last few weeks, the stoic Princess Royal has routinely maintained a brave face – while also delighting royal fans with her quick wit and humble nature during her public engagements.
And as calls for Andrew to do ‘the decent thing’ and remove himself from the royal line of succession mount, one may begin to question where Anne could fall amid a possible royal restructure.
As Mr Fitzwilliams noted, the Princess Royal is currently 18th to the throne, given that the altered rules of succession in 2013 ‘unfortunately were not applied retroactively’.
‘If they had been she would have been 5th behind William and his family and the public would undoubtedly welcome that,’ he explained.
Yet the public’s insatiable love for Anne has certainly shown little sign of wavering, with royal fans often taking to social media to praise the ‘humble’ and ‘class act’ princess.
According to Mr Fitzwilliams, Anne’s ‘no-nonsense approach’ is her essential attribute that has truly captivated royal fans.
