The 50-Year Secret: Why Princess Anne’s Iconic Hairstyle Finally Changed (And The 10-Minute Routine Behind It)

For over five decades, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has been an unwavering pillar of the British royal family, and her signature '60s-inspired bouffant updo has been just as constant, making it one of the most recognizable and enduring royal hairstyles in modern history. This commitment to a single look, a testament to her no-nonsense personality and practicality, has made her a global style entity, proving that true elegance lies in consistency. However, royal watchers were recently stunned when the Princess debuted a completely new look, a historic style transformation that broke a 50-year tradition. As of December 2025, the world is buzzing about the elegant chignon she unveiled, a rare and welcome departure from her famous 'balletic updo' that signals a subtle, yet significant, evolution in her personal style. The new hairstyle, a sophisticated twisted chignon, was first seen in her official 75th birthday portrait and later worn at a high-profile event, the French State Banquet, showcasing a softer, more modern silhouette. This article dives deep into the history of her legendary bouffant, the simple routine behind it, and the momentous decision to embrace a new look after half a century, solidifying her status as one of the most authentically stylish members of the royal family.

The Princess Royal: A Complete Biography Profile

Full Name: Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise Windsor

Title: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Born: August 15, 1950, at Clarence House, London, England

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Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Sibling: King Charles III (older brother), Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

Position: Second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She was second in line to the throne at birth, currently 17th (as of late 2024/2025).

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Marriages:

• Captain Mark Phillips (m. 1973; div. 1992)
• Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (m. 1992)

Children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall

Key Achievements: An accomplished equestrian, she competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, becoming the first member of the British royal family to do so. She is known as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, with patronage of over 300 organizations, including Save the Children.

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Reputation: Often regarded as the most practical, down-to-earth, and no-nonsense of the late Queen's children.

The 50-Year Bouffant: Secrets of the '10-Minute' Updo

For nearly five decades, Princess Anne’s hair was a study in sartorial stability. Her signature look was not a fleeting trend but a steadfast style choice: a voluminous, '60s-inspired bouffant updo. This style, often described as a balletic updo, became instantly recognizable at every royal engagement, from state visits to the Royal Ascot.

The look was less about high fashion and more about practicality and efficiency, perfectly mirroring the Princess Royal's diligent work ethic. The secret to its longevity and consistency is surprisingly simple. Despite the elaborate appearance, Princess Anne has reportedly stated that the hairstyle takes her a mere "10 minutes" to complete. This suggests a highly efficient, minimal-fuss routine that allows her to focus on her extensive charitable and royal duties.

The bouffant is a classic example of a style that transcends fleeting trends, becoming a powerful personal brand. Its structure and height provided a perfect base for her collection of hats and, crucially, her most significant tiaras. The style's history dates back to her early years as a young royal, where she experimented with more elaborate, 'Hollywood' styles, but ultimately settled on the enduring updo that became her trademark.

The Historic Hair Transformation: A New Era of Royal Style

The most significant style news to emerge from the Palace in recent years was the debut of Princess Anne’s new hairstyle. After half a century of the same bouffant, the Princess Royal unveiled a major style update: a sophisticated, low chignon. This elegant look was a surprising and refreshing change for a royal known for her steadfast devotion to tradition.

The transformation was first showcased in a royal portrait released ahead of her 75th birthday, stunning royal fans and the media alike. It was a clear signal that even the most consistent of royals can embrace a new chapter.

The Chignon and the Festoon Tiara

The new style was most notably on display at the French State Banquet, an event where the Princess Royal wore an ivory dress and her beloved Festoon Tiara. The Festoon Tiara, a stunning piece she has owned since 1973, was showcased beautifully by the twisted chignon. Unlike the towering bouffant, which often lifted the tiara high, the low chignon provided a sleek, modern foundation, allowing the diamond tiara's intricate design to sit lower and frame her face more elegantly.

This subtle change highlights a key element of her style evolution: a move towards softer, yet still structured, evening glamour. The twisted chignon is a more contemporary take on a classic updo, proving that the Princess Royal, while practical, is not immune to the desire for an elegant style refresh. The reaction online was one of universal admiration, with many noting the stunning effect of the new look.

Princess Anne’s Enduring Legacy of Practical Elegance

Princess Anne's style, including her hair, has always been defined by practicality and a distinct personal flair, rather than a pursuit of the latest fashion trends. She has a reputation for re-wearing outfits, sometimes decades later, a testament to her sustainable approach to fashion long before it became a global trend. Her choice of clothing, often featuring bold colors, classic silhouettes, and practical outerwear like the red mackintosh worn on a royal tour of the Arctic in 1970, is a perfect complement to her no-nonsense attitude.

The enduring bouffant, and now the sophisticated chignon, are integral parts of her style narrative. They reflect her dedication to her duties and her refusal to waste time on frivolous changes. The fact that she maintained the same hairstyle for so long is a powerful statement of stability and self-assurance within the often-turbulent world of the British royal family. Her hair is not just a style; it is a symbol of her unwavering character.

In a world of constant change, Princess Anne’s decades-long commitment to her bouffant was a comfort to many. Her decision to finally change it—even for a royal portrait and a State Banquet—was a momentous occasion that captured global attention. It confirms that the Princess Royal continues to define her own rules of elegance, balancing tradition with a touch of modern refinement.

Key Entities and Style Points:

• Iconic Style: '60s-inspired Bouffant Updo, Balletic Updo, Practical Elegance
• New Style: Low Chignon, Twisted Chignon, Elegant Updo
• Jewelry & Tiaras: Festoon Tiara, Diamond Scroll Tiara, Cartier, Celtic Irish Cross Brooch
• Family & Events: Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, Prince Philip, French State Banquet, 75th Birthday Portrait, Royal Ascot, Windsor Castle
• Personal Traits: Hardest-working Royal, Equestrian Talents, Down-to-earth, No-nonsense Personality

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