Princess Claire of Belgium celebrates her 40th birthday today. As Claire does not have a formal royal role, we see her just a few times a year at major royal events. Her hat style is a little fragmented- Claire seems to choose hats in classic shapes with simple embellishments…
…or statement hats and headpieces in unique and interesting shapes:
I admire her sense of millinery adventure and willingness to try different styles. Choosing a hat for Claire was difficult; in the end, I have gone with a classic wool fedora in a beautiful dark bottle green fur felt, trimmed with a vintage silk ribbon flower. This hat was made by Kristin Silverman of Silverhill Creative Millinery and I think it would be stunning on Claire.
What kind of hat would you like to see Princess Claire wear? Please post a link to your hat choice for this Belgian princess (original photo source please) and a brief explanation of why you choose that hat for her.
Photos from Getty as indicated and Silverhill Creative Millinery
Royal Hats 
I find many of these choices too twee and cutesy for Claire. Her aesthetic is modern so let’s give her what works so well for her. Rachel Trevor Morgan might not be the best designer for her but you get the idea.
I agree. I think something modern with sprinkle of vintage feel would be very flattering on her.
http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/165067618/true-vintage-80s-or-90s-large-black?ref=shop_home_active_7
Claire would look great in a pink cloche
#12 http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/news/photos/oaks-137-fashion
That is one of the loveliest cloche hats I have ever seen!
Beautiful!
I love this fedora! Another idea would be a vintage-inspired 1960s pillbox. Wouldn’t she look great!
I believe this hat was made by Rachel Trevor Morgan.
Men traditionally wear a fedora hat but this one looks feminine and sensible. I like this hat very much.
I like very much the hat you choose for Princess Claire. I think Fabienne Delvigne hats are good for her and I hope she continues to wear them. I like this black and white hat for Claire.
I LOVE this for Claire. I also like the green fedora Hat Queen picked.
Princess Claire is a classic beauty. I think this would be perfect for her.
Again, this is Rachel Trevor Morgan (either SS 2012 or 2013)
This hat was made by Rachel Trevor Morgan (I think SS 2013)
What a pretty hat.
Change is a good thing and I’m all for trying new styles. I also love the color of this hat. I don’t think a fedora is the best shape for Claire. She looks amazing in large brimmed hats. What about a large hat that isn’t so plain?
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130419/FEATURES04/304190117
That hat is designed by British milliner Nigel Rayment. A number of hats in his 2014 collection are quite fancy indeed.
How about this http://www.pinterest.com/pin/14777505000419258/
Haven’t had a chance to pick out a hat for PC, but in general i like her hat sense…except that tulle thing!
I’ve also never heard of this designer but LOVE the teal green and the vintage/modern vibe of this hat. Fabulous.
Superb hat for Claire.
That is such a sharp looking hat. I love the folded ribbon flower.
Thank you so much for featuring my hat! What a thrilling surprise and honor. And I enjoy regularly following your blog, which is one of my favorites.
You are most welcome! It is such a lovely hat.