Princess Anne has made headlines with an outfit that strikingly mirrors the style of her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The royal caught the eye of onlookers as she hosted The Not Forgotten Association’s annual garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 19, 2026. Her polished pastel ensemble, complete with pearls, gloves, and a classic hat, drew comparisons to the late queen’s iconic looks, particularly those worn during Royal Ascot events.
At the age of 75, Princess Anne’s appearance at the garden party appeared almost like a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. She donned a pale blue coat, elegantly paired with a matching hat and white gloves, along with a delicate pearl necklace. This outfit seemed to channel Queen Elizabeth’s signature style, especially from her later years, evoking memories of the late monarch’s sophisticated pastels often seen during garden parties and other formal occasions.
The garden party, which took place under overcast skies and intermittent rain, evoked a sense of nostalgia among royal watchers. Images from the event prompted many to draw parallels with Queen Elizabeth’s own appearances, particularly a memorable outing in 2019 at Royal Ascot, where she faced similar inclement weather. Such imagery served as a poignant reminder of the late queen’s enduring impact on royal traditions.
Hosted in honour of The Not Forgotten Association, a charity that supports veterans experiencing injury, illness, or loneliness, the occasion was particularly meaningful for Princess Anne. Her dedication to military causes is well-documented, and she has been an active patron of The Not Forgotten Association since 2000, taking over the role from Katharine, Duchess of Kent.
Princess Anne’s personal connections to the military also run deep; her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, served in the navy, further solidifying her commitment to this cause. This inner connection likely fuels her passion for supporting veterans, making her involvement with the charity all the more significant.
The enduring British tradition of garden parties continues to thrive, drawing members of the public to Buckingham Palace each year to recognise their volunteer work and contributions to society. With this most recent event, Princess Anne, considered one of the royal family’s hardest-working members, showcases her dedication to serving the public. She is known for her involvement with more than 300 organisations, championing causes related to health, youth programmes, and disability support.
May is proving to be a busy month for the royal family, with multiple garden parties scheduled to honour various charities and community initiatives across the United Kingdom. Just weeks before Anne’s event, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the season’s first garden party on May 6, marking the third anniversary of the King’s coronation.
While outdoor events can sometimes face challenges due to less-than-ideal weather conditions, they remain a cherished tradition within the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth, during her candid moments, once shared her thoughts on the unpredictability of the British weather, saying, “Well, you do rather hope the sun shines as when you invite 8,000 people to have tea on your lawn. It can be a bit of a worry.”
As Princess Anne’s garden party unfolded amidst the rain, it became clear that her tribute to her mother was not simply in fashion but also in spirit. The event underscored a commitment to community and service that resonates through generations of the royal family, while also recalling fond memories of Queen Elizabeth’s grace and dedication as a monarch.