Princess Anne’s second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence was a groundbreaking event in the history of the British monarchy. The Princess Royal became the first child of a British monarch to remarry, defying the rules set by the Church of England which forbade members from remarrying after divorce while their former spouse was still alive.
Princess Anne did not hesitate to break with tradition on her wedding day. Unlike her first marriage, where she wore a trumpet-sleeved Tudor-inspired dress, the princess opted for a more practical and unconventional attire for her second nuptials. She chose to wear an off-white jacket paired with a flippy matching skirt, foregoing the billowing train, ethereal veil, and extravagant royal wedding tiara typically seen at royal weddings.
The rebellious princess took her defiance a step further by accessorizing with black court shoes instead of the traditional white, ivory, or neutral-toned wedding shoes. Her decision to wear a thigh-grazing wedding skirt was also a departure from royal protocol, as senior members of the royal family were expected to wear skirts that fell at least to the knee. Despite the eyebrow-raising choice, Princess Anne drew inspiration from fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Sharon Tate, and Mia Farrow who had popularized the bridal mini dress years before her.
Princess Anne’s love story with Sir Timothy Laurence began in the late 1980s when she was still married to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. The two exchanged personal letters, some of which were leaked to the press but never published. Buckingham Palace issued a statement regarding the stolen letters, confirming that they were addressed to the Princess Royal by Commander Timothy Laurence, the Queen’s Equerry, but did not disclose the contents of the letters. Despite the scandal, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy have remained happily married.
Princess Anne’s unconventional wedding has left a lasting legacy in the history of the British monarchy. Her willingness to break with tradition and embrace her own style on her wedding day has inspired future generations of royal brides to express their individuality and defy societal expectations. The Princess Royal’s bold fashion choices and fearless attitude continue to be celebrated as a symbol of independence and self-expression within the royal family.
Princess Anne’s second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence was a momentous occasion that challenged the norms of royal weddings and opened the door for more personal and unconventional celebrations of love within the British monarchy. Her courage to be true to herself and follow her heart serves as an inspiration to all who dare to defy expectations and pave their own path in the pursuit of happiness.
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