Princess Anne has always marched to the beat of her own drum.
The Princess Royal has never been one to follow protocol just for the sake of appearances.
But Princess Anne made one royal appearance that left everyone talking about what she did next to those lingerie displays.
Princess Anne poses alongside luxury lingerie in unexpected royal visit
Most royals stick to safe, predictable public appearances that won’t raise eyebrows or generate unwanted headlines.
Princess Anne took a different approach during her recent visit to Wales.
Anne went to Edge o’ Beyond’s workshop in New Tredegar, a small town in Wales.
But it wasn’t just a regular ceremony to cut the ribbon.
When Princess Anne visited on September 15, she stood right next to the wall displays of lingerie. This made for pictures that would make most royals’ public relations teams very nervous.
The visit included unveiling a commemorative plaque that read, "To commemorate the visit of HRH the Princess Royal."
For the brand’s founder, Naomi De Haan, Princess Anne’s down-to-earth approach made a lasting impression.
"It was an immense honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our atelier," De Haan told The Telegraph. "Her deep understanding of the fashion and textile industry and her genuine curiosity were inspiring for our whole team."
De Haan described Princess Anne as "very cool" and "very interested in everything" during the visit.
The businesswoman said Princess Anne "came across as very feminist" during their conversations.
The Princess Royal tackles censorship and celebrates British craftsmanship
Princess Anne didn’t just show up for photo opportunities during her visit to the lingerie company.
She engaged in substantive discussions about the challenges facing the industry.
De Haan revealed that she had the opportunity to discuss challenges facing the industry with Princess Anne, including issues around "censorship of the female body" and how it makes advertising difficult for lingerie companies.
The royal showed genuine interest in the business challenges facing British textile manufacturers.
"This visit is recognition of the exceptional skills of our technicians and a celebration of keeping British lingerie craftsmanship alive," De Haan explained.
Princess Anne’s visit highlighted her commitment to supporting British manufacturing and textile workers.
Anne has been doing this job for decades, and she actually knows what she’s talking about when it comes to British manufacturing.
Think about it – how many other royals would show up at a lingerie company and smile for the cameras without batting an eye?
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Princess Anne continues to break royal molds at 75
This latest appearance fits the pattern for Princess Anne’s approach to royal duties throughout her decades of service.
She’s never been afraid to get her hands dirty or visit businesses that might make other royals uncomfortable.
The visit to Edge o’ Beyond comes after Princess Anne recently updated her signature look for the first time in decades.
In July, she posed with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence for an official royal portrait to mark her 75th birthday.
Instead of her trademark bouffant hairstyle, Princess Anne opted for an elegant chignon updo that royal watchers called her biggest style change in 50 years.
Royal photographer Chris Jackson, who also captured Queen Camilla’s portrait for her recent 78th birthday, shared the portrait on Instagram in August.
"Special to have taken this official portrait for Princess Anne’s Birthday of HRH and Sir Tim at Windsor Castle," Jackson wrote. "Happy 75th Birthday!"
Princess Anne’s willingness to try new things at 75 – whether it’s updating her hairstyle or visiting lingerie companies – shows why she’s considered one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.
You don’t have to act like you’ve got a stick up your rear end to do royal work properly.
Anne keeps doing what Anne does – supporting the people who actually make things in Britain while everyone else talks about it.
¹ Megan Rubenstein, "Princess Anne Poses Alongside Lingerie in Unusual Royal Outing," People, September 23, 2025.
² The Telegraph, "Princess Anne visits lingerie atelier," September 22, 2025.
³ Chris Jackson, Instagram post, August 2025.
