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Princess Anne Hosts Final Garden Party for WWII Veterans ― and Her Moment With 100-Year-Old Guest Stole the Show

Princess Anne brought style and history to Buckingham Palace, but a candid moment with a WWII veteran became the highlight.

Princess Anne is known for her dedication to the military, and, as the charity's patron today, she hosted the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party, an annual event at Buckingham Palace that has been held since 1921 for veterans with disabilities or illnesses. It aims to provide camaraderie and a special day out for beneficiaries and ex-servicemen, with activities that include afternoon tea, musical performances, and tours of the gardens. The Princess Royal arrived for the special event held with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. But amidst the grandeur of the event ― it was Anne's conversation with a 100-year-old guest that stole the spotlight. 

As the hostess of the last Garden Party, Princess Anne stuck with her trademark style of recycling her outfit. She looked radiant in a mint green tweed coat and matching hat, which she also wore at the Epsom Derby in 2022. She styled the ensemble with a four-string pearl choker and matching pearl drop earrings, a set she has inherited from the royal jewel collection and previously worn at events like Royal Ascot in 2019. 

The Royal Marines Band Service opened the event in formation, recognized for their ceremonial honors such as Trooping the Colour and noted for their precision and immaculate drill. But the highlight of the event was when Princess Anne spent time with Robert Piper, a 100-year-old WWII veteran. Talking about his conversation with the Princess Royal, he told Press Association, “I said to her, you know, she’s got to slow down...She’s done it so many years and she is a pro, she knows all the answers before you do.” This formed a tremendous visual and emotional link between Britain's wartime history and the present day for those gathered to honor the sacrifices of ex-servicemen. Along with Piper, she also spoke with World War II veteran Henry Rice, 100, and welcomed veteran Kenneth Embleton, 101. 

Interestingly, the Princess Royal also paid a subtle tribute to her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, with her style. Her pale blue spring coat with a matching hat, white gloves, and a pearl necklace evoked the late Queen’s characteristic garden party style, particularly reminiscent of pastel ensembles at Royal Ascot in her later years. Images from the event at Buckingham Palace featured elements that reminded one of Queen Elizabeth's reign, particularly the gloomy weather and umbrellas. “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," the Queen had told a guest in 2019.

Since 2000, Anne has been actively associated with The Not Forgotten Association, where she promotes the issues of veterans and members of the armed forces. The position was previously held by Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The Princess Royal is widely recognized as a dedicated royal family member, serving as patron for over 300 organizations.