Introduction
On a crisp morning, Anne Twist stood on the wing of a vintage biplane, taking part in a daring charity event. That rush of excitement was just one of many in her life, from writing heartfelt children’s stories to watching Harry play his first guitar notes. The family once enjoyed a camping trip where Harry and Gemma performed by the campfire, while Anne encouraged them and shared stories from her own childhood. Many people first think of Anne as ‘Harry Styles’ mother,’ but she is much more than that. Anne is a writer, philanthropist, advocate, and social media influencer with millions of followers. She supports charities, has published a children’s book, gives interviews, and proudly cheers on her children, making her a well-known public figure.
This article provides a comprehensive biography of Anne Twist, covering her early life, family, career, charity work, media presence, and her significant role in shaping one of the most iconic pop icons of our time.
Who Is Anne Twist?
Anne Twist (born Anne Selley on October 21, 1967) is best known as the mother of Harry Styles, international pop star and former member of One Direction. She also has a daughter, Gemma Styles, a journalist and podcast host.
Over the years, Anne has developed her own following, admired for her warmth, humor, and advocacy. She regularly shares updates about her life, family, and the projects she supports.
Early Life & Background
Anne Selley was born in England in 1967. Details of her childhood remain private, but from interviews, it’s clear she grew up with strong family values that she later passed on to her children.
In her 20s, Anne married Desmond Styles. Together, they had two children: Gemma Styles (born 1990) and Harry Styles (born 1994). The couple divorced when Harry was seven years old, but Anne remained a constant and supportive figure in both children’s lives.
Family Life: Marriages & Children
Marriage to Desmond Styles
Anne’s first marriage was to Desmond “Des” Styles. They lived in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, where Harry grew up. Even after their separation, both parents stayed active in their children’s lives.
Second Marriage: John Cox
Anne later married John Cox, but the relationship ended in divorce.
Third Marriage: Robin Twist
In 2013, Anne married Robin Twist, who played an important role in Harry and Gemma’s lives. Robin was a father figure to the Styles siblings, and Harry even served as the best man at their wedding. Tragically, Robin passed away in 2017 after a battle with cancer.
Anne has often spoken warmly about Robin’s impact on her family, and Harry dedicated performances and tributes to his stepfather.
Anne Twist as a Mother
Anne is frequently described as Harry’s biggest supporter. In a rare interview with the South China Morning Post (2023), she recalled Harry’s early love of music, saying:
“He was always singing around the house. Even as a little boy, he had that entertainer’s sparkle.”
Anne encouraged both of her children to pursue their passions, whether in media (Gemma) or music (Harry). Despite Harry’s fame, she emphasizes the importance of keeping him grounded. In one interview, she said:
“He’s still just Harry. Yes, he’s a superstar, but at the end of the day, he’s just my son who still raids the fridge when he comes home.”
Career & Personal Projects
Author of a Children’s Book
In 2023, Anne Twist published her debut children’s book, ‘Betty and the Mysterious Visitor.’ The publication received commendations for its engaging narrative and evocative illustrations, which collectively foster themes of empathy and community—qualities frequently highlighted in critical reviews. In a podcast interview, Anne reflected on her longstanding personal engagement with writing, describing this creative practice as a form of private expression that accompanied her throughout adulthood. She emphasized that the process of developing ‘Betty and the Mysterious Visitor’ not only enabled her to channel her experiences as a parent and storyteller, but also to thoughtfully consider the cognitive and emotional development of young readers. Looking forward, Anne has alluded to drafting a subsequent children’s book, aiming to address nuanced subjects relevant to child development and contemporary childhood experiences. Her explicit intent to deepen the complexity and educational value of her writing indicates a sustained commitment to literary contributions for children, and she has publicly articulated enthusiasm for expanding her repertoire into new literary or educational projects.
Philanthropy & Charity Work
Anne is deeply involved in charity initiatives. Some notable examples include:
- Parkinson’s UK: In 2020, Anne completed a daring wing walk to raise money for the charity, honoring a close family connection, and successfully raised over £25,000.
- Cancer awareness and fundraising: In memory of her late husband Robin, Anne has supported cancer charities, contributing to events that have collectively raised over £50,000.
- Anne often uses her Instagram to promote causes like children’s health and mental health awareness, reaching over 2.5 million followers and encouraging donations and involvement. Fans can join in by taking part in events such as the annual Parkinson’s UK charity walk, sponsoring others, or joining online fundraisers for cancer research in memory of Robin Twist. She also works with global campaigns like the ‘Mental Health Matters’ online event, where fans can participate virtually. By following her updates, fans can stay involved and support her efforts.
Her willingness to use her platform for good has earned her a respected reputation as an advocate.
Anne Twist on Social Media
Anne is very active on Instagram (@annetwist), where she shares content that connects with her followers. She posts family photos that show her close bond with her loved ones. Her updates about books and charity work highlight her dedication to important causes. She often includes inspirational quotes and supports Harry and Gemma’s projects, showing her pride in their achievements. Anne also shares moments from her personal life, making her posts feel genuine. She interacts with fans by replying to comments and sharing fan art, helping to build a sense of community. She joins online events and live sessions with fans to talk about her projects and support charity fundraisers.
- Anne’s captions often weave themes of resilience, gratitude, and love. Her voice reflects a balance of humor and sincerity, fostering a community that values positivity and kindness. As an influencer, fans appreciate Anne’s authenticity and kindness, often praising her for being relatable and down-to-earth.
Despite her positive presence, Anne has faced challenges on social media, including body-shaming comments. In 2023, she responded gracefully, reminding followers about kindness and the importance of positivity.
Public Image & Fan Perception
Within the Harry Styles fandom, Anne holds a special place. Fans see her as a supportive mother figure, not just to Harry and Gemma, but symbolically to the fandom as well. Her interactions with fans reveal a reciprocal relationship, where Anne not only shares her support but also learns from the fandom’s creativity and enthusiasm. One memorable moment involved Anne’s heartfelt interaction with fans during a fan-organized charity event. She attended the gathering, dedicated to raising money for Parkinson’s UK, and personally thanked fans for their efforts. Additionally, she often acknowledges fan creativity by reposting fan art on her social media, expressing gratitude and admiration. Her openness to collaboration is evident, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Her posts often go viral, whether it’s a birthday tribute to her children or her emotional words about family and resilience. For example, in 2023, following the tragic death of One Direction member Liam Payne, Anne shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute with the words:
“Just a boy who made the world smile. Rest easy, Liam.”
This touched millions of fans worldwide, showing the deep emotional connections she maintains with her children’s circle.
Recent News
Anne continues to appear in the media through interviews, podcasts, and social updates. Highlights include:
- Podcast appearance (2023): On Spinning Plates, Anne spoke about her book, her family life, and her thoughts on motherhood.
- Tributes and memorials (2023): Her tribute to Liam Payne was widely shared by international outlets.
- Social media milestones (2024): She surpassed 2.5 million followers on Instagram.
Most Asked Questions About Anne Twist (FAQ)
How old is Anne Twist?
Anne was born on October 21, 1967. As of 2025, she is 57 years old.
Where is Anne Twist from?
She is from England, where she raised her children in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.
Who were Anne Twist’s spouses?
Anne was first married to Desmond Styles (father of Harry and Gemma), then to John Cox, and later to Robin Twist, who passed away in 2017.
Does Anne Twist have children?
Yes, she has two children: Gemma Styles (journalist and podcaster) and Harry Styles (singer, actor, global pop star).
What book did Anne Twist write?
She is the author of “Betty and the Mysterious Visitor” (2023), a children’s book.
What charities does Anne Twist support?
She has supported Parkinson’s UK, cancer research initiatives, and other health-related causes.
What is Anne Twist’s Instagram?
Her official Instagram is @annetwist, where she has over 2.5 million followers.
Conclusion
While many know Anne Twist as Harry Styles’ mother, her achievements go well beyond that. She is an author, philanthropist, and influencer with a respected platform. Through her charity work, public appearances, and social media, Anne is seen as warm, resilient, and inspiring. She hopes to expand her charity work, especially in mental health and children’s literacy. Anne has also mentioned the idea of writing another children’s book that will engage young readers and address important topics. Her dedication to making a difference means her influence will keep growing and leave a lasting impact.
