Princess Anne on visit to Ladywell Mills in Bradford

The Princess Royal is known for her love of longevity and quality in fashion and fabrics, regularly seen wearing premium outfits dating back to the 1970s.

Earlier this year, she was dubbed “the most chic woman in the world” by fashion designer Silvia Venturini Fendi, whose autumn/winter 2024-25 collection was reportedly inspired by the princess’s style.

In her role as president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, Princess Anne visited Ladywell Mills, in the Bowling area of Bradford, a key site of textile specialist, The SIL Group.

The group employs almost 300 people across multiple UK sites, with a supplier and customer network spanning more than 50 countries.

Princess Anne is known for sourcing top-notch materials and having them made into outfits, which she then wears for years – and sometimes decades.

She told Vanity Fair magazine in 2020: “I still try and buy materials and have them made up because I just think that’s more fun. It also helps support those who still manufacture in this country. We mustn’t forget we’ve got those skills, and there are still places that do a fantastic job.”

Her Royal Highness gained an insight into the intricate processes behind refining cashmere and mohair. She also learned about The SIL Group’s vertical integration model, where every stage of textile production – from sourcing raw fibres to delivering finished products – is meticulously managed.

The group’s businesses include Seal International, which sources and supplies raw natural fibres; independent yarn merchant MBA Yarns; luxury woven fabric specialists William Halstead, John Foster, Kynoch, and Standeven; interiors fabric producer Abbotsford Textiles; cashmere and accessories weaver Joshua Ellis, and dyeing specialist FTS Dyers.

Andrew Seal said: “We are deeply honoured by the royal visit which is a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of our team across all our businesses.

“While we are proud of our heritage, we are also committed to shaping the future of textiles, and today’s visit reflects the confidence in that vision.”

The royal visit highlighted the key role the fibres division plays in the group’s global operations. Specialising in sourcing natural fibres from origin markets worldwide, The SIL Group supplies premium materials such as cashmere and mohair to a diverse range of clients, from luxury fashion houses to bespoke tailors.

Founded by Raymond Seal in 1970 in the family dining room, it remains a family-owned business now managed by his sons, Andrew and Jeremy.