Is it to be admired when Kate Middleton rocks out a Hobbs coat that she's worn before? Sure – or if admirable is too strong a word, then at least it shows that she understands clothes shouldn't be treated like disposable contact lenses. But today Kate's efforts to recycle fashion have been eclipsed, because in an impressive feat of research, the Daily Mail has uncovered the royal family's true hero: yes, Princess Anne has been wearing the same frocks, hats and coats for the last three decades, and they've got the pictures to prove it.

There's a lemon yellow bonnet that she wore for baby Zara's christening photos in 1981 (yes, that's Olympic medalist Zara, now aged 32). It got another outing a few weeks ago on a trip to Lake Windermere with the Queen (see above).

Next, a fur-lined coat with matching hat, first worn in 1983 and reappearing for church on Christmas Day 29 years later. Then there's what the Mail describes as a 'scrambled egg hat' with a yellow and white coat – an ensemble she wore to Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding and revived for another wedding in 2008.

A flouncy pink satin blouse has been paired with a black and pink check skirt on several occasions – first spotted on Anne at the 1990 Baftas, and most recently at a 2001 Save the Children event (thankfully, sans the original 80s puff sleeves).