Wessexes Celebrate Royal Marines in Scotland

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Royal Hats

The Earl of Wessex and the Countess of Wessex arrived at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh yesterday where they inspected the guard of honour from the 42 Commando Royal Marines. This event kicked off the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines and it was no surprise to see both the Earl and Countess in hats for the occasion. Sophie paired a pale blue straw percher hat trimmed with rolled organdy twirls and a pair of angular feathers. I thought the hat softened her militaristic coat dress and although the colour palate was very subdued, it worked. What do you think of this saucy little straw hat?

Countess of Wessex, May 16, 2014 in Jane Taylor | Royal Hats

Designer: Jane Taylor. As I suspected, it is a bespoke version of the “Bluebell” hat
Previously Worn: this is a new hat

Photo from Splash News via Corbis

Japanese Royal Ladies in Blue Hats for National Meetings

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Royal Hats

On Thursday, Empress Michiko attended the Annual National Convention of Japanese Red Cross Society held in Tokyo. The Empress, who is honorary president of the Japanese Red Cross Society, wore a large white saucer hat trimmed with grey flowers and leaves. I thought the flower embellishment on this hat was especially pretty.

Empress Michiko, May 15, 2014 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: uncertain. I think this might be a new hat.

Also on Thursday, Princess Hanako of Hitachi visited Utsunomiya City in Tochi Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition of Ikebana (Japanese traditional flower arrangement). Princess Hanako, who is the honorary president of Japan Ikebana Association, repeated her pale blue silk bumper hat with rolled brim. I am not a fan of this hat (see this closeup of the blue and white spaghetti noodles that look to be stuck on the side of this hat) but from this distance, Princess Hanako looks rather refined and elegant.

Princess Hanako, May 15, 2014 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: August 7, 2013

Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan and The Imperial Family of Japan

Queen Máxima in Huizen

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Royal Hats

Queen Máxima attended a jubilee concert celebrating 15 years of Stichting Muziek in Huis (music for the elderly) yesterday in Huizen. While I’m not entirely sure this can be considered a headpiece, some of you might be interested to see that she repeated her large black hair bow. Last time we saw this bow (on Princess Beatrix’s last Queen’s Day), I thought it was a little twee for my taste but like many other unusual and unique pieces of millinery, it somehow worked on Máxima Yesterday, however, with her unkempt coiffe, it was simply another layer of mess. I don’t like to be critical but this was not a good look.

Embed from Getty Images

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: April 30, 2012

Norwegian Royals Celebrate Constitution

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Royal Hats

The Norwegian Royal Family visited Stortinget (the Norwegian Parliament) yesterday as part of celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian constitution.

Queen Sonja repeated a white hat with a ruched navy and white polka dot sash around the crown. It’s a great hat shape for her but I think it’s time to replace the sash with a simple navy grosgrain ribbon.

Designer: Unknown
Previously Worn: September 1, 2005; June 17, 2002

Crown Princess Mette Marit repeated her white wool calot hat, again worn far back on her head (a little too far back, in my opinion). In the past, I have not warmed to this icy hat but its pairing today with her folk art inspired coat was perfect.

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: June 2, 2010; May 17, 2010; December 10, 2009

The photos released do not show a close look at Princess Astrid’s hat; she appears to be wearing a white fabric pillbox hat with a pork pie style recessed crown and a spray of feathers on the side. I believe it is the same hat she wore in New York in 2005, with the addition of some pink feathers.

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: October 27, 2005

It looks like a lovely celebration was enjoyed by the family (including young Princess Ingrid) and I expect we will see a number of Norwegian royal hats throughout the weekend as festivities continue. Are there any hats that stood out to you in this group?

Photos from Stella via Svenskdam; Aasta Borte / Robin Nunn / News Pictures, Aasta Borte / Robin Nunn / News Pictures and Aasta Borte / Robin Nunn / News Picturesvia Paris Match

Queen Máxima Attends Youth Concert

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Royal Hats

On Tuesday, May 13, Queen Máxima attended a symphony concert geared toward young people (she joined an audience of 500 primary school children) performed by the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra. In keeping with the youthful and fun tone of this engagement, she wore a pale pink petal fascinator headband. While the colour is a little bland for this vibrant young queen, the idea of this headpiece is fun. I’m just not sure this was the right outfit to pair it with.

Queen Máxima, May 13, 2014 in Fabienne Delvigne | Royal Hats