The $4 Million Tiara And 'New Look': Unpacking Princess Anne's Stunning 75th Birthday Portraits

The highly anticipated official portraits released to celebrate Princess Anne’s 75th birthday on August 15, 2025, have solidified her status as one of the most enduring and stylish members of the British Royal Family. These images, which were unveiled starting in July 2025, offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of the Princess Royal, showcasing her signature no-nonsense elegance while sparking widespread discussion—particularly over a subtle change to her iconic hairstyle and her choice of a spectacular, multi-million-dollar diamond tiara. The release of the portraits officially kicked off a series of celebrations for the milestone, including the unveiling of the first-ever U.K. coin minted in her honor.

The collection of photographs, commissioned by Buckingham Palace, went beyond a single formal sitting, featuring both a classic, regal studio shot and a more personal, relaxed image with her husband. This dual approach to the royal portraiture underscored her dual role as a dedicated working royal and a private individual. The public’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, praising the Princess Royal for her timeless style and the powerful, direct gaze captured by the chosen photographers.

Princess Anne: A 75th Birthday Portrait Biography

To fully appreciate the significance of the 75th birthday portraits, it is essential to understand the life and career of the woman they celebrate. Princess Anne is renowned globally for her work ethic, her dedication to equestrian sports, and her famously pragmatic approach to royal duty.

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• Full Name: Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise
• Title: Princess Royal
• Born: August 15, 1950, at Clarence House, London
• Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
• Siblings: King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
• First Marriage: Captain Mark Phillips (1973–1992)
• Children: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
• Second Marriage: Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (1992–Present)
• Equestrian Career: She is the first member of the British Royal Family to have competed in the Olympic Games, riding in the 1976 Montreal Games.
• Key Patronages: Over 300 organisations, including Save the Children, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and various military regiments.

The Diamond Festoon Tiara: A $4 Million Statement of Legacy

The most talked-about element of one of the official 75th birthday portraits was undoubtedly the spectacular headpiece Princess Anne chose to wear: the Diamond Festoon Tiara. This piece is not just a stunning display of diamonds; it carries a deep personal significance for the Princess Royal, making its inclusion in the milestone portrait a powerful statement about her enduring connection to her own history and the Commonwealth.

History and Value of the Festoon Tiara

The Festoon Tiara was not inherited from her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, but was a personal gift to Anne in 1973. It was presented by the World Wide Shipping Group of Hong Kong following her christening of one of their ships.

• Origin: Gifted in 1973 by the World Wide Shipping Group of Hong Kong.
• Design: The tiara is composed of three large diamond elements connected by delicate diamond swags, or festoons.
• Significance: It is one of Anne’s most frequently worn tiaras and was first worn for a series of portraits marking her 23rd birthday. Its appearance in her 75th birthday portrait highlights a continuity of her life in royal service.
• Estimated Value: Experts have placed the value of the tiara at approximately $4 million, underscoring its historical and material importance.

Choosing this particular tiara, which she has cherished for over 50 years, over other more historically significant pieces from the Crown's collection, reinforces Princess Anne’s independent spirit and her appreciation for personal gifts over mere status symbols.

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Behind the Lens: The Photographers and Locations

The 75th birthday celebrations were marked by the release of several unique photographs, each capturing a different facet of the Princess Royal’s life. The selection of photographers and settings was deliberate, aiming to present a complete picture of her public and private roles.

The Formal Portrait by John Swannell

One of the key portraits was taken by John Swannell, a celebrated royal photographer and a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. Swannell is known for his clean, classic style, and his work with the Princess Royal was no exception.

• Photographer: John Swannell.
• Attire: A clean-lined, colour-blocked royal blue dress.
• Impact: This specific image was the basis for the design of the new U.K. coin, making it the most historically significant of the set. It captured her staring directly at the camera, a characteristic look of confidence and dedication.

The Intimate Portrait by Chris Jackson

A second, more personal portrait was captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson of Getty Images. This image offered a rare look at Princess Anne's private life and her relationship with her second husband.

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• Photographer: Chris Jackson (Getty Images).
• Subject: Princess Anne alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
• Location and Context: The photograph was taken at a high-profile event—specifically, on the eve of the French State Banquet in July 2025. This setting beautifully merged her professional duties with her personal support system.

In addition to these formal shots, other images were released showing a more relaxed Princess Anne at her private residence, Gatcombe Park, where she is known to be most at ease. These photographs, where she appeared relaxed and comfortable, highlighted her life outside of London’s royal engagements.

The Viral 'New Look' and Public Reaction

Perhaps the most unexpected element of the 75th birthday portrait release was the public and media fascination with a subtle change to Princess Anne’s appearance. The Princess Royal is famous for having maintained the same classic, structured hairstyle for decades—a style that has become a defining characteristic of her image.

The new portraits, however, suggested a slight update or a more voluminous styling to her hair, which was immediately picked up by royal commentators and fans online. The discussion around her seemingly minor change went "somewhat viral," with many praising her for debuting a fresh look while still maintaining her signature elegance. This reaction highlights the intense public scrutiny and affection for even the smallest details of the Princess Royal’s life.

The overall sentiment was one of celebration for her unwavering commitment to duty. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family shared tributes, using the newly released imagery to mark the occasion. The portraits succeeded in their goal: to honor a lifetime of service and present a powerful, modern image of the Princess Royal at 75.