Princess Anne just wore her signature snazzy sunnies in South Africa for special visit

The Princess Royal is on a solo visit to South Africa and she wore a practical outfit and her iconic sunglasses on the first day

Princess Royal wearing her adidas sunglasses during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA)
(Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Princess Anne is visiting South Africa and she brought back her snazzy sunglasses for her first day of engagements.

The Princess Royal is one of the most hard-working members of the Royal Family and after taking a break over Christmas at Sandringham House she quickly resumed her packed schedule and has now set off on her first overseas visit of 2025. Princess Anne has swapped the grey skies of January in the UK for the South African sunshine as she is undertaking a two day solo trip. The first engagement she undertook was a visit to the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) which she previously visited back in 1994.

Princess Anne is the President of the Riding for the Disabled Association and SARDA has provided free equine therapy, sport and training for over 50 years. This was likely an incredibly meaningful visit for the senior royal and we’re not at all surprised she went for a very practical outfit that included her snazzy sunglasses.

The Princess Royal waves during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA)

(Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Recreate Princess Anne's Outfit

Princess Anne’s Adidas sunglasses are something of a signature look for her and whilst she wears them most in the summer or when abroad, she’s also been known to wear them on brighter days in autumn. With their sporty design, white frames and tinted lenses they’re a bold accessory, but they’ve stood the test of time for her.

Above all, Princess Anne’s snazzy sunnies are practical and this is no doubt why she’s reached for them for decades and brought them with her on her visit to South Africa. The senior royal is known for focusing on functionality when it comes to her staples and was once quoted as saying that she believes "there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing".

Anne, Princess Royal attends the Rowing Women's Quadruple Sculls medal ceremony on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024

(Image credit: Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

At home in the UK she often reaches for waterproofs and her best wellies, but in the South African sunshine her sunglasses were the protective yet chic item she needed. Her style reminds us all that our clothes and accessories have to work for us practically as much as they do aesthetically and the Princess Royal wore her sunglasses with white straight leg trousers that matched the frames, a shirt and moccasin shoes.

The shirt was blue and white with a delicate leaf motif running all over it and the King’s sister wore it with the collar half popped and left loose and draped over her trousers. The long sleeves and long trousers ensured that she was covered to help shield her from the sun but the silhouettes were loose and relaxed which was not only very chic, but also airy.

The Princess Royal is presented with flowers during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA)

(Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Her chocolate brown moccasins were a polished alternative to trainers that were still flat and very comfortable to wear all day. With a roomy bag worn over her shoulder, this outfit was quintessential Princess Anne and we couldn’t admire it more.

She looked relaxed and happy wearing it at SARDA and later on in the day she also toured the British High Commission Residence Garden with the Head Horticulturist at Grootbos Foundation, Bulelani Bashe.

The Foundation works to help conserve the environment of the Cape Floral Kingdom and to develop sustainable livelihoods. A Princess Anne Rose was planted in the Garden by the Princess Royal to symbolise her visit, which comes thirteen years after she last visited South Africa.

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Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!