Princess Anne's Big Honour for Fashion and Textiles in Yorkshire

So, you know how some people are just quietly brilliant at what they do, working away behind the scenes without a massive song and dance? Well, it turns out Princess Anne is one of them, especially when it comes to the UK’s fashion and textiles industry.

On 17th July 2025, she wasn't just doing a royal visit; she was in Yorkshire to receive a pretty major honour for her years of hard work. The University of Huddersfield awarded her an Honorary Doctorate, which is a big deal. The whole thing happened during the university's graduation week, making it an extra special day for the students and their proud families who were there to celebrate.

A special honour in Yorkshire

First up, what on earth is an honorary doctorate? Basically, it’s a top-tier award a university gives to someone who has made a massive contribution to a particular field. You don’t have to sit exams or write a dissertation; it’s a way of saying, "You are amazing at this, and we want to recognise your dedication." In this case, the University of Huddersfield gave Princess Anne this special honour for her long-standing advocacy for the arts, with a huge focus on fashion and textiles. Think of all the amazing fabrics, clothes, and creative designs that come out of the UK – she's been a massive cheerleader for all of it.

The whole ceremony took place in the university's impressive Oastler Building. Imagine the scene: it’s graduation week, the place is buzzing with excited students about to get their degrees, and in walks a Royal to receive her own special honour. It was a proper ceremony, shared with over 100 graduating students and their families. This wasn’t just a stuffy, formal event; it was part of a real celebration of education and achievement, highlighting the university's role in nurturing future talent in the creative industries.

The inside scoop from professor Parik Goswami

So, why her? Why this specific honour? Well, Professor Parik Goswami, who is the university's Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (a very fancy title that means he’s a top expert), gave a speech explaining it all. He made it clear this wasn’t just a token award. He’s seen her passion up close.

He said: “I personally witnessed Her Royal Highness’s heartfelt and considered speeches on some of the challenges and opportunities the industry faces at the UK Fashion and Textile Association’s Sustainability in Textiles events in the last two years.”

That’s pretty cool, right? It shows she’s not just turning up to cut a ribbon. She’s getting stuck into the big conversations, like sustainability in fashion, which is a massive topic right now. It's about making sure the clothes we love don't harm the planet. Her involvement shows a real commitment.

The professor also mentioned her role in the Textile Institute's conference, which the university hosted back in 2023. This isn't a new hobby for her; it's a long-term passion. He added:

“Her Royal Highness has an extraordinary passion for the fashion and textile sector and demonstrates a genuine interest in the intricate craftsmanship, technical skills and creativity that define the industry.”

And that’s the key, isn’t it? The genuine interest. She appreciates the incredible craftsmanship and skill that goes into making beautiful textiles. It’s not just about the finished dress; it’s about the creativity, the technical process, and the people behind it. This dedication to both education and the practical arts is why this honour from the University of Huddersfield is so fitting.

More than just a royal visit

Having a member of the Royal Family show up is always going to get headlines, but Professor Goswami explained it’s about more than that. It gives the whole industry a massive boost.

He continued: “Her frequent visits are not only a testament to her commitment but also serve as a significant morale booster for those involved in the industry. The Princess Royal’s presence and encouragement have created a positive ripple effect, enhancing the visibility and prestige of UK fashion and textiles on a global stage.”

What does that actually mean, a "positive ripple effect"? It means her visit gets people talking. It puts a spotlight on the amazing work happening in UK fashion and textiles. It helps designers, manufacturers, and students get noticed not just in Britain, but around the world. Her advocacy elevates the entire sector. Suddenly, the brilliant craftsmanship happening in places like Yorkshire gets seen on a global stage. This dedication from Princess Anne helps secure the future of one of the UK's most important creative industries.

Checking out the student exhibition

After the formal ceremony for her honorary doctorate, Princess Anne didn't just head home. She took a tour of the university’s award-winning archive space, Heritage Quay. It’s a place that stores all sorts of important historical documents and items. She viewed an exhibition called The Town That Taught Itself, which is all about Huddersfield's two-hundred-year history of technical and professional education. A perfect fit for the day!

But here’s the best bit. She also went to see the work of the current students. She checked out the end-of-year showcases from the BA Textiles and BA Costume with Textiles courses. This shows she’s not just interested in the history of the industry, but its future, too. She saw firsthand the incredible creativity of the next generation. The student creations she viewed were by:

• Charlotte Holland
• Ellie Raine
• Liza Smeeton
• Mandy Shepherd
• Talia Bechelet

Imagine being one of those students! You've worked your socks off all year, poured all your creativity into a project, and then Princess Anne comes to see it. It’s a massive nod of approval and shows that the skills of craftsmanship and innovation are still highly valued. This part of the visit really tied everything together: the history of education in the town, the formal graduation, and the exciting future represented by the students' exhibition.

So what's the big deal?

At the end of the day, this was about more than just a nice event. It was a celebration of an entire industry. The honour given to Princess Anne by the University of Huddersfield shines a light on the importance of the UK's creative industries. It’s a reminder that fashion and textiles are about more than just trends; they are about art, skill, sustainability, and history.

Her deep-rooted passion and tireless advocacy provide a huge boost for everyone involved, from the students just starting their careers to the established names on the global stage. This event, combining a formal ceremony with a genuine interest in student work, perfectly captured her unique contribution. It was a day that championed education, creativity, and the incredible craftsmanship that puts UK textiles and fashion in a league of its own. It was a fantastic way to recognise a lifetime of dedication.