Princess Anne has resumed her royal duties after a brief period of rest due to a horseback riding accident that left her hospitalized with a concussion and minor injuries.
At 73 years old, the princess demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities by attending the opening of a new emergency unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Friday, July 19.
On this occasion, the sister of King Charles wore an elegant floral dress in white and blue tones, complemented by a dark short blazer.
However, what caught the most attention was her choice of accessories: navy blue gloves, despite the hot July weather.
Why does Princess Anne wear gloves?
The question many asked was: Why does Princess Anne wear gloves in the middle of summer?
According to the British newspaper Express, the reason is practical and preventive. As an active member of the royal family, Princess Anne shakes hands with numerous people in her daily engagements.
Wearing gloves allows her to avoid direct contact and reduce the risk of contracting germs.
This practice is not new in the royal family. In fact, Anne seems to be following in the footsteps of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Genevieve James, creative director of luxury glove maker Cornelia James, explained that Queen Elizabeth also used to wear gloves for similar reasons.
Despite this tradition, most modern royal women have stopped wearing gloves.
Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, and Queen Camilla rarely use them, opting for a more contemporary approach in their public appearances.
Princess Anne’s choice to wear gloves not only reflects her respect for royal traditions but also her pragmatic approach to her duties.
In a world where health and safety are paramount, this simple preventive measure underscores her dedication and care in each of her commitments.
Wonderful to see that our patron, HRH The Princess Royal, is recovering well and will officially open the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s new emergency department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester today. https://t.co/gOqOONNDVO
— Royal College of Emergency Medicine (@RCollEM) July 19, 2024