Princess Anne's snazzy sunglasses make a comeback for special visit - and you'll never believe how long she's been wearing this iconic accessory!

Princess Anne's snazzy sunglasses have been seen for over a decade and they add a sense of sporty chic to each of her royal looks!

Princess Anne, The Princess Royal attends day 3, St Patrick's Day, of the Cheltenham Festival 2016
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Princess Anne's snazzy sunglasses made an epic comeback in France - and you'll never believe how long she's been wearing this wardrobe staple!

For many fashion fans once you’ve found the best sunglasses for your budget and face shape it’s only natural that they become your go-to shades and the Princess Royal found her ultimate sunglasses far longer ago than you might think. Known for her practical approach to dressing, the humble scarf might be the accessory Princess Anne relies on most often all year round but her sunglasses are a close second. She has a few pairs on rotation but Princess Anne’s snazzy sunglasses from Adidas are instantly recognisable and they’ve just had another outing.

Princess Anne attends the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match

(Image credit: Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Adidas Sp0016 Sunglasses| £148.36 at Amazon 
£148.36 at Amazon

Adidas Sp0016 Sunglasses| £148.36 at Amazon 

With a sporty design and sleek white frames, these sunglasses can help you channel your inner Princess Anne at home. These would make a brilliantly practical addition to your summer wardrobe.

Having been Patron of Scottish Rugby Union for over three decades, it’s no surprise that the Princess Royal was in France to cheer the Scottish national team on in person in their Rugby World Cup match against Ireland on 7th October. The King’s sister was pictured wearing her distinctive white Adidas sunglasses in the stands.

They appear to be the Adidas Sp0016 women’s sunglasses with the white arms and slightly amber-toned lenses. They’re described as being great for running, although the Princess Royal typically uses them purely for eye protection for appearances and engagements on sunny days. And she’s been doing so for quite some time and fans might well be shocked to learn exactly how far back Princess Anne’s love of white Adidas sunglasses goes.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal watches daughter Zara Phillips compete in the dressage phase of the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on August 3, 2007

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Whilst they might not have been the exact same style, the Princess Royal was pictured wearing incredibly similar Adidas wrap-around sunglasses back in 2007. She was watching her daughter Zara compete in the Festival of British Evening at her Gatcombe Park home and wore the Adidas sunglasses with a casual summer look that also included a beige bucket hat. 

Princess Anne then went on to be photographed wearing white Adidas sunglasses as she watched the Track Cycling event at the London 2012 Olympics with Lord Sebastian Coe, once again showcasing their sporty chic credentials. In recent years, though, the versatility of Princess Anne’s snazzy sunglasses has shone through.

Lord Sebastian Coe and Princess Anne, Princess Royal enjoy the atmosphere as they watch the Track Cycling on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games

(Image credit: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

In 2016 she wore a pair with a bright red double-breasted coat for an appearance at Cheltenham Festival and after wearing them several more times in between, she paired them with an emerald green formal dress and hat for Royal Ascot 2021. The sunglasses added contrast here and were very much in-keeping with Princess Anne’s signature practical style.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal arrives on the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet 2021

(Image credit: Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Her decision to wear white Adidas sunglasses to watch the rugby 16 years after she wore the virtually identical pair in 2007 shows how much she loves these iconic shades. It seems they still work with her wardrobe favourites no matter the occasion (outside of official state events, of course!) and stand the test of time. And given how much she wears them all year round on bright days it’s likely Princess Anne’s snazzy shades will continue to make appearances for many more years to come. 

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Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include 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 next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!