Princess Anne’s often reserved public image has evolved over the years, but few people know about her daring and experimental phase in the 1970s. During this period, she embraced a bold,
more unconventional look that diverged significantly from the traditional royal standards of elegance and formality. Known for her no-nonsense approach to her royal duties and her strong,
independent personality, Anne surprised many when she appeared to channel the style and attitude of the era’s fashion icons. Specifically, her appearance and public persona in the 1970s
bore a striking resemblance to the flamboyant, space-age aesthetic of Barbarella—an iconic character made famous by the 1968 film starring Jane Fonda.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the world of fashion was undergoing significant changes. The counterculture movement, along with the rise of youth-driven trends,
brought about an era of experimentation. Bold patterns, unconventional fabrics, and dramatic cuts became the norm. Meanwhile, the royal family, known for its tradition and conservatism,
maintained a more conservative, controlled public appearance. Princess Anne, however, was not content to adhere strictly to royal norms.
While other members of the royal family—especially her older brother, Prince Charles—were often seen in traditional attire, Anne found a different way to express herself.
Her style during this period was described as a mix of high fashion with a rebellious, almost punk edge. She wasn’t just another royal following the protocol. Instead, Anne played with the boundaries of royal decorum, drawing on the fashion trends of the day. This included shorter skirts, bright colors, and even more daring hairstyles, all of which were in stark contrast to what one might expect from a member of the British royal family at the time.
In 1970, Anne made headlines when she appeared on the cover of Vogue, the quintessential fashion magazine that rarely featured members of the royal family. This was a significant departure from the usual royal publicity, which often involved more formal portraits. In her Vogue shoot, Anne was photographed in a sleek, contemporary outfit that highlighted her growing confidence in her own sense of style. The images depicted her with striking poise, and she looked every bit the fashion-forward, avant-garde woman of the ’70s. The cover was a moment that stunned the public and showcased Anne’s willingness to step outside the constraints of her royal role and experiment with her appearance.
Her fashion choices during this era not only reflected the spirit of the time but also her evolving sense of self. The ’70s were a period of growing female empowerment, and Anne’s wardrobe was a symbol of this shift. She was seen in high-waisted trousers, leather jackets, and mini skirts—pieces that were typically associated with the younger generation’s pursuit of liberation. Anne was not only embracing modern fashion but also subtly aligning herself with this cultural movement, even as she remained firmly grounded in her royal obligations.
One notable event during this period was a public appearance where Anne turned heads in a daring outfit that could easily have been lifted from a scene in Barbarella. Her loose, flowing hair and bold outfit reminded the public of Jane Fonda’s space-age persona. Anne’s style seemed to blend both the playful, futuristic style of Barbarella and the more earthy, independent vibe that she naturally exuded.
Despite the boldness of her fashion choices, Anne’s royal duties remained front and center. She was still actively involved in equestrian competitions and charity work, and her commitment to these causes never wavered. But her image in the ’70s helped paint her as a modern, relatable figure who was unafraid to express her individuality. This was a far cry from the typical portrayal of a royal, who was expected to maintain a more conservative appearance.
In addition to her fashion experimentation, Anne’s relationship with the media during this period also grew more complicated. Her strong-willed personality, combined with her unconventional style, sometimes led to a complicated public image. Despite her personal and professional achievements, the press often focused on her untraditional choices, scrutinizing her in a way that was not as common for her more conventional family members.
In retrospect, Princess Anne’s “secret sex bomb” phase of the ’70s was a fascinating chapter in the royal family’s history. While it was a time of experimentation with fashion and self-expression, it was also a period where Anne made it clear that she would not be confined by traditional expectations. Through her bold sartorial choices and her appearance on the cover of Vogue, she revealed a side of herself that was at once modern and liberated, yet deeply rooted in her royal heritage. This phase in her life serves as an enduring reminder that even within the structured and often conservative world of royalty, there is room for personal flair and individuality.
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