When Princess Anne recently wore a coat first seen over fifty years ago, it challenged our assumptions about value, longevity, and provision in a world shaped by constant consumption. Jenny Sanders reflects on God’s steady, unchanging care through the changing seasons of life.
The coat in 1969 vs 2026; the collar has since been replaced with a more simple version
Eagle-eyed journalists are always on the look out for fashion mistakes or wardrobe malfunctions by celebrities. Recently Princess Anne caused a stir when she appeared at a state banquet in a coat she’d worn 57 years ago for a film premiere.
When belts are being tightened and the cost of living crisis is biting us all, we should surely be admiring the frugality of HRH. We know fashion is cyclical, but how many things do you own from yesteryear that the moths haven’t eaten and you can still fit into? Various other royals have been spotted re-wearing designer garments, including Queen Elizabeth and the Princess of Wales who, at one time, was called ‘thrifty Kate’ in the press because of the number of times her outfits were recycled. In a throw away culture, it’s impressive that the Princess Royal has held on to clothes which still have so much wear in them; it’s laudable that outfits are worn multiple times by those in the public eye, whether they’re updated, modified or re-tailored.
READ MORE: Is Princess Diana in heaven?
Which items in your wardrobe have stood the test of time so well, I wonder?
Which items in your wardrobe have stood the test of time so well, I wonder? I have a coat that I bought when I was a student which has lasted around forty years. It’s a bit worn but presentable. I also had a pair of flat, trusty school moccasins that, since they were extremely comfortable and my feet hadn’t grown, I was enjoying in my fourth pregnancy until they finally disintegrated.
READ MORE: Vinted or Primark? Why Christians need to be involved in the fight against fast fashion
I’m not the only one who has kept clothes for years, although, unlike God’s people on route to the Promised Land, I haven’t worn any of them every day for forty years. We can see how God looked after the Israelites on their long haul journey from Egypt when God said, ‘During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet’ (Deuteronomy 29:5). For a people without the luxury of a choice of ensemble and who spent those desert years camping in rough terrain that was, absolutely, a miracle.
It would be interesting to find out whether this was yet another cause for God’s people to grumble at God via Moses as he led them on that epic trip. The same old sandals for forty years may seem unbearably tedious to us, but how kind of God to ensure that the ones He loved were provided for in such a practical way. Our expectations and our experience of cheap and accessible garments is a world away from that. The fact that theirs all lasted so long without falling apart is testament to God’s detailed loving care.
READ MORE: Fighting fast fashion is every Christian’s responsibility
Since His character doesn’t change, we can trust that God is still looking out for His people.
Since His character doesn’t change, we can trust that God is still looking out for His people. I have so many stories of how God has protected and provided for us in difficult circumstances over almost forty years of marriage. There have been times when we had little or no money but I prayed and discovered the item I needed reduced in price, or nestled on a shelf/hanging on a rack in a charity shop, perfectly hidden and kept for me. There were times when I thought we needed finance but, instead, God provided grace for the trial, endurance, peace and a reminder that He was right there with us walking through circumstances that felt far from ideal.
I have a godly friend who often reminds me that, ‘the circumstances of my life are perfect.’ You may furrow your brow in consternation as I did when I first heard that phrase, but read it again. ‘Perfect’ is very different from ‘ideal’. Think about it. When we stay in step with Jesus, then we’re right where we need to be to press in to a place of intimacy, of listening and enjoying harmony with Him. Will our faith be stretched? Absolutely; but, just like a muscle, that’s necessary for faith to be strengthened and grow. God continues to be Jehovah-Jireh, our provider, in every season of life. How has He provided for you on your journey?
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