It has been over thirty years since Princess Anne’s second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence, marking a historical moment as she became the first child of a British monarch to remarry. Despite the Church of England’s strict rules against remarriage after divorce, Princess Anne defied the norms and tied the knot in Scotland with her love. The wedding ceremony took place at Crathie Kirk church in Aberdeenshire, with only thirty people in attendance.
Princess Anne’s choice of attire for her second wedding was unconventional, to say the least. Unlike her first wedding dress, which was a trumpet-sleeved Tudor-inspired gown, her second dress was practical and understated. She opted for an off-white jacket paired with a matching flippy skirt, eschewing the typical royal wedding attire with billowing trains and elaborate veils. Her hair was styled in a voluminous beehive adorned with delicate white flowers, a stark contrast to the extravagant Queen Mary Fringe Tiara she wore for her first nuptials.
In another bold move, Princess Anne wore black court shoes for her special day, deviating from the traditional white, ivory, or neutral-toned shoes usually worn by brides. Her choice of a short wedding dress challenged royal protocol, as hemlines below the knee were expected for senior members of the royal family during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Despite the unconventional choice, Princess Anne’s wedding skirt was a nod to the evolving fashion trends of the 60s and 70s, where bridal minis were becoming more accepted.
A Fashion Icon
Princess Anne’s decision to wear a short wedding dress was not just a personal one but also a fashion statement. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn, Sharon Tate, and Mia Farrow, who had embraced bridal minis before her, Princess Anne proved to be a trailblazer in her own right. While some may have questioned her choice at the time, she remains the only British royal to opt for a short wedding dress, setting her apart as a royal rebel with a sense of style.
Princess Anne’s romance with Sir Timothy Laurence began in the late 1980s, while she was still married to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. The leaked personal letters exchanged between Princess Anne and Commander Timothy Laurence raised speculation about the nature of their relationship, but Buckingham Palace remained tight-lipped about the contents. Despite the drama surrounding their courtship, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy have proven that love can conquer all, as they remain happily married to this day.
Princess Anne’s unconventional wedding to Sir Timothy Laurence was a display of her rebellious spirit and independent nature. From her choice of attire to her defiance of royal tradition, Princess Anne showed the world that she was unafraid to break the mold and pave her path. As the only British royal to wear a short wedding dress, she remains a fashion icon and a symbol of love prevailing against all odds. Princess Anne’s story is a reminder that true happiness comes from following your heart, even if it means going against the expectations of society.