As a member of the Royal family, Princess Anne has a strong collection of headgear, from striking fascinators to wear to the races, to military attire for royal engagements, formal hats for weddings and tiaras for banquets, but this week saw the Princess Royal don a different kind of hat altogether.
A keen sportswoman and former Olympian herself, it's no surprise that Princess Anne travelled to Milan to attend the Winter Olympics, and though she was there on official royal business, the King's sister opted for a low-key accessory for the occasion.
Taking to the snow to during the medal ceremony for the Women's Snowboard Big Air, the Princess Royal slipped on a baby blue woolly beanie, keeping the chill off. The ultra soft looking hat appeared to be made from cashmere – only the best for our royals!
© PA Images via Getty ImagesWhile a beanie seems an odd choice for a Princess, it transpires that Princess Anne has long been a fan of the casual headgear. Back in 1962, a tiny Princess Anne can be seen aboard a boat in Inverness, with a woollen striped beanie plonked on her head.
© Getty ImagesHer 2026 beanie is less snazzy – and more akin to the soft-looking hats Meghan Markle has often been seen in when attending snowy functions, most recently last year at the Invictus Games in Vancouver.
© WireImagePrincess Kate has been known to partake in a beanie too,, opting for a bobbled one during a trip to Stockholm in 2018 – though we must admit, we can't picture her in one now!
© GettyA street style staple
On the power of the beanie, our stylish sisters at Best Quality Designer Handbag Fashion, commented: "When worn with intention, beanies have the power to make an outfit," Fashion Features Editor Tania Leslau says.
© Getty Images"While primarily celebrated as a street style must, beanies have successfully penetrated the luxury sphere in recent months," Tania continues. "2025 shows courtesy of Armani, Issey Miyake, Hermès and Moschino saw models hit the runway in varied renditions, while autumn-winter served up knit supremacy à la Louis Vuitton, Holzwelier, Alberta Ferretti and Rabanne. Not forgetting Burberry's viral £3,000 duck beanie.
Princess Anne's hat history
While her baby blue beanie is fairly understated, Princess Anne has been known to make a statement with her head warmers when attending the Winter Olympics.
© Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesTake her attendance in 1984, which saw her rock an ultra-fluffy white hat – we'd love to know if that one is stowed away in her fashion archive!
