Anna Wintour Breaks Tradition, Ditches Shades for Royal Honor

Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, momentarily abandoned her signature sunglasses on Tuesday as she received the prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, CNN reports.

Wintour, known for rarely appearing in public without her dark shades, was honored for her significant contributions to the fashion industry and her extensive philanthropic work. Her fundraising efforts have supported causes such as HIV/AIDS research and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. She was appointed to the order in the King’s 2023 birthday honors.

The Order of the Companions of Honour is a highly esteemed recognition, granted to individuals who have made a major, long-term impact in the arts, science, medicine, or government. Membership is limited to just 65 individuals at any given time, and the current ranks include luminaries such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Judi Dench, and Margaret Atwood.

Wintour, who also holds the title of Dame of the Order of the British Empire, awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017, has helmed Vogue since 1988. While she removed her sunglasses for the presentation ceremony, she was seen quickly donning them again for post-ceremony photos outside the palace.

The move mirrors a similar gesture last month when Wintour removed her glasses to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former US President Joe Biden. Biden awarded Wintour, who hosted political fundraisers for his campaign, with the nation’s highest civilian honor.

In a 2019 interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Wintour explained the purpose of her ever-present eyewear:

“They’re incredibly useful because you avoid people knowing what you’re thinking about.”