Dame Anna Wintour offered a cryptic response today when questioned about rumours that the Princess of Wales had been offered global Vogue covers.
The fashion editor addressed the speculation with a smile during her visit to Buckingham Palace, where she received one of Britain’s highest honours.
“Yeah, I don’t know where those rumours have come from, do you?” Wintour said when asked about the reports during the investiture ceremony.
The 75-year-old Vogue editor-in-chief’s enigmatic comment came amid widespread speculation that she had personally extended an offer to Kate to grace the magazine’s coveted front cover.
Anna Wintour makes cryptic comment about Princess Kate as she joins forces with King Charles
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The exchange took place as Wintour visited the Palace to be made a Companion of Honour by King Charles for her services to fashion.
In a rare public gesture, Wintour removed her trademark sunglasses for the palace ceremony, which she typically describes as a “prop” that helps her “be seen and not be seen”.
The Vogue editor made a striking appearance in a structured grey Alexander McQueen suit, complemented by a historic piece of royal jewellery.
Around her neck hung a magnificent amethyst necklace that once belonged to Queen Mary, King Charles’s grandmother.
Anna Wintour was made a Dame by King Charles on Tuesday
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The jewels were originally a gift to Queen Mary from Princess Catherine of Württemberg, forming part of a larger set including a tiara and earrings.
The necklace’s journey saw it sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva for £55,357 in 1993 before Wintour was first spotted wearing it at the V&A Museum in 2007.
During her conversation with King Charles, Dame Anna firmly rejected any suggestion of slowing down her career.
“This morning His Majesty asked me if this meant I was going to stop working and I said firmly, no,” she revealed after the ceremony.
Anna Wintour removed her iconic sunglasses for the Investiture
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The fashion editor, who flew in from Dubai and will return to New York, reflected on her previous Palace visit with the late Queen Elizabeth.
“The last time I was here the Queen gave me a medal and we both agreed that we had been doing our job a very long time,” Wintour said.
She expressed enthusiasm about her return to Buckingham Palace, stating: “It’s wonderful to be back at Buckingham Palace and I was completely surprised and overwhelmed to be given this great honour.”
The Companion of Honour, founded by George V in 1917, is limited to just 65 members at any time.
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Anna Wintour wore a necklace with strong Royal Family history
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The prestigious order recognises those who have made significant contributions to the arts, science, medicine or government.
Dame Anna joins an illustrious group of recipients including Dame Judi Dench, Sir Elton John, David Hockney, and Sir Paul McCartney.
For the ceremony, Wintour chose a carefully curated ensemble by British designer Alexander McQueen, wearing a grey checked skirt suit with a simple white shirt.
The honour was bestowed upon Wintour in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list for her services to fashion. Artist Dame Tracey Emin, 61, was also honoured at the palace today, receiving her damehood for services to art.
