So far in our look at the common hat shapes used by Angela Kelly in The Queen’s millinery wardrobe, we have peeked at the “Flat Brim Hats”, the “Teardrop Crown Hats“ and the “Wrapped Crown Hats“. Today we’re going to look at the Diagonal Crown Hats, also affectionately known as the “Ski Slope” hats. For the first time, we’re going to credit this hat shape not just to Angela Kelly but to Philip Somerville as well.
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Welcoming the President of the United Arab Emirates on State Visit, April 30, 2013;
Watching over Trooping the Colour, June 15, 2013 in a lace trimmed diagonal crown hat
At the London Cenotaph, November 12, 2006
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In Ireland, June 27, 2012 and at Ascot, June 19, 2009
I think these diagonal crown hats are successful when the embellishment on them is kept to a minimum. The striking shape of the hat remains center stage and quieter embellishments enhance rather than distract. I would not like to see the Queen this shape of hat all the time but I do think that it’s a fun change every once in a while. What do you think of these diagonal crown hats?
I suspect the inspiration for these hats came from several made by Philip Somerville for the Queen during the early 2000s and worn throughout the next decade. I love how one designer’s ideas inspire another designer to to create something entirely new.
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Ascot, June 21, 2001; A visit to Dorset, June 11, 2009; At Eton, May 27, 2010
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Although the crown shape is the same, the brim on these is different – downward, upward and swept up – which alters the appearance quite a lot. I agree with your point that the simpler versions work better. Again, I very much like the black one.
The only one I really like is the black one. Angela Kelly needs to leave the hatmaking to Rachel Morgan or HM’s other milliners. Her hats are just so painfully embellished;
The blue lace hat is the most elegant. I love the way the lace cascades and the colour matches the coat beautifully. However the overall shape is not the most flattering even on The Queen , who usually manages to carry off wearing any hat, whatever the design.
I agree that the blue and white hat is the best. It’s a nice hat in spite of its shape not because of it.
I’ve been a lurker here for a long time but probably won’t comment a whole lot. I just wanted to say that I really love this blog.
I like how #3 plays off the colors in her blouse and I love the black one. It is interesting how we all have such different tastes.
I really like the mint green one with the gold lace. Her majesty looks so nice in green! I also find it so interesting to read which hat’s people like best and why. Sometimes the hat that everyone likes best is the one I don’t like atall!
Agree on the last three,but I also like the riot of color on #3 and the tie in with the blouse.
Dr. Seuss! Someone is having fun at the Queen’s expense.
Dr. Seuss makes better hats. Here is another example of why Angela Kelly should retire ASAP. These are all terrible.
I don’t really like any of them. The peak on one side looks weird.
I like the cream colored one made of the same soft fabic as her coat with the small flowers. That is a very soft and pretty hat.
I agree that the beige/cream hat is very beautiful.
I like the pink one with the multicolored bows. It’s bright and charming!
I like the bright colors on that hat. The Queen looks so happy wearing it!
No. All the colors and curls on that is too much. It looks like a clown hat.
The black hat is very beautiful.
I do not like the black hat. The curled up brim makes it look like a cartoon version of a top hat.
The green hat has a larger brim than all the other hats. I think the sloped crown looks a lot better with the smaller brim. The hat looks more balanced.
I share your opinion. Better with a smaller brim. And minimal trim, as HatQueen wrote.
I agree. The first three hats have way too much going on but the last three are quite nice. I really like the last one with the royal blue lace. It’s such a pretty hat that ties together with her coat very nicely.
I also like the hat with the blue lace best. It looks good.
The blue and white hat is the most flattering on the queen.
The white hat with royal blue lace is the only one I can stomach in this lot. The rest are so overdesigned.
I have always loved this hat with the royal blue lace. So royal and elgant.
I agree! The royal blue lace against the white is quite striking and creates a beautiful contrast.