Several of you devoted readers have emailed me about Prince Harry’s success on the “Walking with the Wounded” expedition to the South Pole. He was indeed successful and yes- he arrived at the pole wearing a black ski hat.
Photo from Victoria Nicholson/Getty via Parade Magazine
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands opened a cultural building in Arnhem back on December 10th. She repeated a brimless hat made of metallic black straw with a wide stripe wrapped several times around the side of the hat. The crown of this hat features several layers of rolled circles as well. I think I would prefer this hat without those rolled circles on the crown (which make it look a little lumpy) but I thought Beatrix looked great. The sparkly effect of the metallic straw is quite pretty, isn’t it?
Designer: unconfirmed but it looks very much like Suzanne Moulijn
Previously Worn: November 8, 2013; January 25, 2013
Yesterday, Princess Beatrix attended a national tribute to Nelson Mandela. For this event, she repeated a larger hat with flat crown and brim, wrapped with similar wide bands of straw. When previously worn, this hat was trimmed with a large black and white flower on the side. Understandably for this event, the bloom was replaced with a black feather hibiscus bloom. While I love a picture hat, the sharp lines of this hat make it look a little boxy for my taste. If the top of the crown was slightly rounded (and devoid of that large seam), I think this hat would be fantastic.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: May 25, 2013; March 11, 2011
Photos from Dutch Photo Press and Dutch Photo Press
It seems that in my coverage of the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko’s recent trip to India (here, here and here), I missed two new hats worn by the Empress.
On December 3rd, the Imperial couple visited India International Centre (the same building they had visited in 1960 to lay the cornerstone). Empress Michiko wore one of her characteristic saucer hats- this new one was larger than usual and featured a slightly higher raised crown than we usually see on Michiko’s hats. It was also trimmed with a lovely apple green ombre bow to match her white and apple green suit. I thought it looked lovely and very, very fresh.
Also on December 3rd, the Emperor and Empress visited the Japanese School in New Delhi. At first glance, I thought Empress Michiko repeated the hat she wore to embark on this tour but alas, it is different! This hat was another larger scaled petite saucer with a trailing bow to coordinate with Michiko’s cream, black and hounds tooth checked suit.
Looking at these hats, they look very similar in shape and size. I wonder…. do you think Michiko simply changes out the bows on the hats, or are these two separate hats? I suspect they are separate hats (those bows look very firmly attached) but it is interesting to ponder. What do you think?
Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan
Princess Beatrice of York (along with her longtime boyfriend Dave Clark) attended the wedding of friends Jake Warren and Zoe Stewart in Chelsea on Saturday. Beatrice repeated her mustard beret with large dyed feather. I was not a fan of this hat the first time I saw it but I have warmed to it this year and really like its pairing with this teal coat.
Designer: Rachel Black
Previously Worn: March 31, 2013; December 23, 2012
The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon also attended this wedding – the Countess wore a large pomegranate hued fascinator with large flower and net. I’m not sure it was the best compliment to her outfit but appreciated the boldness of the whole look. (If you are not familiar with the Countess, her husband’s family seat is Highclere Castle, the home used for the filming of Downton Abbey).
The Carnavon’s were not the only other people of interest at this wedding- Prince Harry (who reached the south pole late last week) ‘s girlfriend Cressida Bonas also attended, wearing a rather unique headpiece.
Photos from Getty as indicated and James Whatling via Corbis
And finally, on this Friday afternoon, the Swedish Royal Court released photos and video of our favourite little princess (sporting a festive red hair bow) preparing for Christmas at Haga Palace. If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, I’m not sure what will! Click here to see the short video.
Have a great weekend, everyone! And don’t forget to share your least favourite royal hat of 2013.
Photos from Kate Gabor via the Swedish Royal Court
Royal Hats 