Princess Anne tours lingerie workshop

‘Cool’ royal gives designers tip on underwire bras at Edge o’ Beyond factory

The Princess Royal has visited a lingerie company where she tried to help solve a problem with its underwire bras.

Princess Anne was photographed unveiling a plaque amid sets of underwear at Edge o’ Beyond, as part of her role as president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association.

During the tour, she heard how the brand, based in South Wales, had faced a challenge in finding strong enough wires for bras in larger sizes.

Having recently visited a British mattress firm that makes its own steel springs, the Princess suggested that they should get in touch for advice on how to make their own wire supports.

The Princess was given a tour of the studio in Caerphilly and shown the cutting, sewing, and product development processes used to create the brand’s distinctive jewellery-adorned lingerie.

Naomi De Haan, founder of the company, said the Princess was “very cool, very interested in everything”, adding that she “came across as very feminist”.

Among the topics of conversation were how they made corsets, now that whale bone is not used, and the problem of “censorship of the female body” on social media making it difficult for the company to advertise.

The visit concluded in the factory cafeteria, where the Princess was presented with flowers by Ms De Haan’s two eldest sons.

They had not expected the Princess to spend time in the cafeteria, Ms De Haan said, but she stepped in to talk to staff and was happy to unveil a plaque surrounded by sets of bras and knickers.

Speaking about the visit afterwards, Ms De Haan said: “It was an immense honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our atelier.

“Her deep understanding of the fashion and textile industry and her genuine curiosity were inspiring for our whole team.

“This visit is recognition of the exceptional skills of our technicians and a celebration of keeping British lingerie craftsmanship alive.”

The Princess Royal has been president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association for more than 40 years and regularly visits businesses and factories.