Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne in 1959
Whatever is happening over there at the other edge of Frogmore Lake at Windsor, it must be investigated! And there is no better little girl outfit for investigations than jodhpurs and a tie. (The pants make it easier to run after your suspect, the tie means that when you have to talk to men about your theories, they're more likely to take you seriously.)
Princess Anne, 1965
I like to think that this is Princess Anne's version of that face Michael Phelps was making in the warm-up chairs at the last Olympics. She did it first! Hood and all.
Princess Anne, 1968
Whatever that gentleman of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police just said, Anne doesn't believe A WORD OF IT. Unfortunately, I suspect it's hard to get people to take her seriously when she is wearing that hat....
Princess Anne in Germany, 1969
You'd be amazed how useful knowing how to drive a tank can be.
London Stores Parade, 1969
CLEARLY something untoward is happening in the back of that crowd. I assume this photo was snapped just before Anne leapt out of the car to apprehend a wrong-doer.
Princess Anne at the Badminton Horse Trials, 1971
Look, even a young lady detective gets to take a break to flirt on occasion. She's only human.
Princess Anne in New Zealand, 1970
Even Informative Caption calls this hat "spectacular," which feels extremely diplomatic.
Princess Anne Visits Africa, 1971
I told you she was foxy! (Suspicious, yes. Possibly enraged. But also foxy.)
Princess Anne in Berlin, 1973
The 70s were a time of great intrigue, including in headgear trends.
Princess Anne Visits Kiev in 1973
In complete honesty, with the exception of that very 70s belt, I would wear this entire outfit today. That hair! That scarf! The watch! The dark-wash jeans!
Princess Anne Visits Michael Hills, 1974
Let me first turn to Informative Caption, before noting that I covet this sweater: "Princess Anne [visits] police officer Michael Hills at St George's Hospital in London after he was shot in the stomach while attempting to intervene during the attempt to kidnap the Princess in the Mall." Oh, yes, didn't you know? Someone tried to kidnap Anne, and was thwarted by a combination of people, including civilians, and the story is quite amazing. You should read the entire thing, but it includes such gems as, "As the two men struggled over Anne, her dress ripped, splitting down the back. Instead of panicking, she had what she later called 'a very irritating conversation' with her potential kidnapper." I cannot love her use of the word "irritating" in this scenario more. Also, I assume this is their tactical debrief?
Princess Anne in the Olympics, 1976
Remember the time Princess Anne was an actual, proper Olympic athlete? This photo looks like a painting, almost. Additionally: that warm-up jacket is AWESOME.
Princess Anne and Diana, 1986
"Diana, look over there and tell me -- NO, BE SUBTLE. Wait, he's doing WHAT? I told you he was guilty!"
The Trooping Of The Colour In London, 2003
Whatever Wills just said to the Queen, Anne is NOT AMUSED. (Also, please note, I believe this is the one and only time we've seen Anne with what I would term Hat Head. Not to be confused with Helmet Hair, which Anne regularly rocks.)
Princess Anne and Prince Harry
Per Informative Caption: "Princess Anne, Princess Royal, presents Afghanistan war campaign medals to officers and soldiers of the Household Cavalry Regiment, including Lieutenant Wales, Prince Harry." In truth, I thought you might just like a cameo from Harry. But they both seem delighted by this turn of events.
Princess Anne, 2005
"How about now? Can I open this now? IT'S MY BIRTHDAY."
Princess Anne
Long may she cast her skeptical eye across the globe!