Princess Beatrice surprises in cropped denim jacket with must-see shoulder pads

Britain's Princess Beatrice wearing a purple dress at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2011
Britain's Princess Beatrice wearing a purple dress at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2011 (Getty)

Princess Beatrice rocked a refreshingly casual look when she visited West Thornton Primary School in Croydon on Wednesday.

King Charles' niece, 35, was seen wearing the 'Lana Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket in Rockstar Blue' from Alice + Olivia which featured a cropped fit, distressed hem and 80s padded shoulders.

Princess Beatrice pays surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon to join in with story time
Princess Beatrice pays surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon to join in with story time (Aaron Chown/PA Media)

The unexpected denim jacket was worn over a floaty black dress covered in ditsy flowers. The ankle-grazing frock was tapered at the waist thanks to a raffia belt and styled with black pumps.

Princess Beatrice pays surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon to join in with story time
Princess Beatrice pays surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon to join in with story time (Aaron Chown/PA Media)

Her auburn locks were styled off her face, with the top half secured in a crocodile clip and her makeup was understated with a swipe of mascara and natural lips.

Princess Beatrice pays surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon to join in with story time
Princess Beatrice wore a cropped denim jacket (Aaron Chown/PA Media)

Her Royal Highness visited the South London school in her role as the patron of Oscar's Book Prize. Beatrice took part in storytime by reading the 2024 winning picture book, When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth by Sean Taylor and Zehra Hicks, to a class of Year One children.

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The Princess' garden party chic

Prior to her school visit, the Princess was seen at Buckingham Palace supporting her cousin Prince William at the event he held in his father the King's absence.

Princess Beatrice wearing red dress and headband at Buckingham Palace Garden Party in the rain
Eugenie joined royals such as Princess Beatrice (Getty)

Sarah Ferguson's daughter looked effortlessly chic in the 'Christina Crimson' dress from Beulah London, which featured a high neck and ruffled pearl detailing down the front and across the fluted sleeves.

Her look was well accessorised with a pair of nude stilettos from Jennifer Chamandi and a cream leather clutch from Anya Hindmarch. It wouldn't be a Beatrice look without a statement headband.

Princess Beatrice in a vibrant pink dress holding umbrella
Princess Beatrice wowed in a vibrant pink dress (Getty)

The royal chose the 'Idun' headband from Emily London which is described as a bridal piece and features diamantés in a criss-cross pattern.

Beatrice's summer-ready linen

Earlier this week, the royal hosted a dinner alongside founder and creative director of AERIN, Aerin Lauder, at The Twenty Two in Grosvenor Square where she looked glowing.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared a glowing photograph of his wife Princess Beatrice
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared a glowing photograph of his wife (Instagram)

The mother-of-one wore a summer-ready off-white linen shirt and midi skirt co-ord from Self Portrait. The shirt featured utility pockets adorned with floral embellishments and was nipped in with a built-in belt to create a flattering silhouette.

Princess Beatrice in a khaki jacket and black skirt
Princess Beatrice rocked a khaki jacket from Maje (Getty)

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The linen combo was teamed with a white croc print clutch bag and Chanel capped-toe heels. The look greatly contrasted the colour palette of her equally cinched khaki jacket and black satin skirt ensemble she rocked on a recent trip to New York City.