Over the course of decades, Princess Anne has rightly earned a reputation for stylish thrift with her regular recycling of outfits.
The Princess Royal will happily appear in trusty favourites – some of which are older than her children – at high-profile events.
But the woman who has played a key role in Anne’s fashion choices since the 1990s is far more elusive than her famous boss.
Veronica Cain, Anne’s live-in dresser, was honoured last month in the King’s birthday honours list – with a Bar to her existing Royal Victorian Order medal.
Although no images of her are publicly available, Ms Cain certainly makes an impression through the medium of Anne’s public outings.
Cain has not only dressed the Princess Royal with impeccable taste but has also cultivated a style that resonates across generations, including the discerning Gen Z and the ever-evolving TikTok crowd.
Veronica Cain’s journey with the Princess Royal began more than three decades ago.
At Gatcombe Park, Anne’s 730-acre country home, each of her outfits is meticulously catalogued, dust-wrapped and stored in cool surroundings, together with its matching accessories, to ensure they stand the test of time.
Veronica Cain, Anne’s live-in dresser, was honoured last month in the King’s birthday honours list – with a Bar to her existing Royal Victorian Order medal. Although no images of her are publicly available, Ms Cain certainly makes an impression through the medium of Anne’s public outings. Above: Anne at the Cheltenham Festival in 2012 in a green coat, jaunty hat and slouchy boots. The outfit has since been seen on three further occasionsAnne redesigned the sleeves of this dress which was first seen at the 1984 Baftas to make the gown a little less ’80s for the Save the Children Festival of Trees at London’s Natural History Museum in 2000The Princess Royal recycled this skirt suit for the VJ Day Commemoration in 1995. She had previously wore it to Sarah Chatto’s wedding in 1994 and at Royal Ascot in 1989At the Trust for Carers dinner in East London in 2003, Anne made a statement in royal blue. She stunned in this printed co-ord, adding extra glamour with a sapphire chokerPrincess Anne chose a preppy gingham pattern for Royal Ascot in 2017, tying in the colours with white gloves and a navy skirtThe classic lines and colour palette of this cream and navy coat make it another springtime favourite of Princess Anne’s that she’s worn throughout the decades. First seen in 1980, and then three further times before the Commonwealth Day service in 2018 (above)
By blending timelessness with contemporary trends, Ms Cain has ensured that Anne’s wardrobe is not only appropriate for her royal duties but also engaging to a younger audience.
Thanks to Ms Cain’s expert styling, Anne’s bold colours, tailored silhouettes, and vintage-inspired prints are often met with widespread acclaim.
It is a winning formula when paired with Anne’s whirlwind approach to royal engagements.
Equally, Ms Cain will have a key role in Anne’s admirable recycling of outfits, some of which she first wore in the 1970s.
When asked about her habit of recycling, Anne once said: ‘A good suit goes on for ever.
‘If it is properly made and has a classic look, you can wear it ad infinitum. The economy was bred into me.’
Princess Anne looked positively regal at a Holyrood House garden party in 1993, stepping out in a printed two-toned purple dress and matching wide-brimmed hatThis Maureen Baker beige skirt suit with a patterned blazer was a mainstay in Princess Anne’s ’80s and ’90s wardrobe. She wore it to Royal Ascot in 1988 and 1994 before deploying it again in 1995 (above) to mark VE dayWalking the red carpet in 1997 dressed as a Hollywood screen starlet, the Princess Royal wrapped a cashmere shawl over her cream jacquard gown and accessorised with white glovesIt was Easter blues for Anne in 2018 when she perfectly co-ordinated her wool coat with her fedora hat and bagAnne opted for a neutral colour palette at Royal Ascot in 2018, wearing an old favourite coat which has made many appearances over the yearsYou will recognise this purple-and-green floral number which Princess Anne chose for a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2015, as it was first seen at Kate and William’s wedding in 2011A timeless staple, this pale yellow double-breasted bespoke coat by British designer Susan Small has seen Princess Anne through four decades. She first wore it toTrooping the Colour in 1980 and most recently at Royal Ascot in 2015Anne’s ensemble for the Nelson Mandela Tribute in 2013 was a masterclass in layering. A wool scarf was wrapped around a coat of the same tone, with another scarf tied at her neck and secured with a broochShimmering in a full length skirt and co-ordinating jacket, the princess added glamour to her 2011 Olympic Ball look with an abundance of glittering diamonds matching the podium perfectlyAnother favourite recycled frock, this yellow dress with matching bolero was seen at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2011, following a previous appearance at Royal AscotAttending the Henley Royal Regatta in 2010, the perfectly placed bow on Anne’s jacket nips her in at the waist for an elegant silhouette
Cain’s talent lies not just in her ability to select statement outfits but in her skilful reworking of Anne’s classic pieces.
But she will also ensure that, when re-wearing, Anne will often pair the same jewellery and shoes with the look as she did when previously wearing the look.
This versatility is a hallmark of Cain’s approach, ensuring that Anne is always appropriately dressed without compromising on style.
The honour from the King is not just a recognition of Cain’s professional achievements but also a testament to the close bond she shares with Princess Anne.
Over the years, their relationship has evolved from a professional partnership to a deep friendship, built on mutual respect and trust.
