Reader Fiona wrote: Another royal blog (written by someone who knows a ton about royal hats) says that Princess Beatrice wore this gold hat to Ascot before but you say it is a new hat? I’m confused. Is it new or is it a repeat?
While I certainly make my share of errors in reporting royal hats, I am 100% certain that the gold percher hat Princess Beatrice wore on Day 5 of Ascot this year was a new hat. It was designed by Japanese milliner Misa Harada and is the first Harada design Beatrice has worn (hopefully, the first of many because it is such a lovely hat!). I think the confusion lies here:
Princess Beatrice at Ascot, June 20, 2013 in a Philip Treacy design
Princess Beatrice at Ascot, June 19, 2010 in the same Philip Treacy design
At a quick glance, these gold straw percher hats look awfully similar. Keeping royal hats straight is a challenging task (believe you me!), especially when a royal has multiple hats in their millinery wardrobe with the same features. I am not sure why Princess Beatrice might need two gold straw percher hats, both trimmed with chrysanthemum-type floral detail, but it certainly makes it interesting for us royal hat fans, doesn’t it? Thanks for the question, Fiona!
Photos from Julian Parker, Julian Parker, Max Mumby/Indigo, Chris Jackson, Max Mumby/Indigo and Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty
Royal Hats 
Two different hats. I really don’t think they look alike at all.
All very interesting stuff and well done Hat Queen for researching this! I did not like this year’s Ascot hat (too busy, too small and blending in with B’s hair)….but I DID love the Treacy hat when I first saw it on B last year. Didn’t t realise that she had worn it before that. I just love the simplicity of design plus I think it is worn at a really flattering angle. It really popped against the dark outfit and with her beautiful mane tucked away a bit it didn’t blend with her hair, allowing us to see more of her lovely complexion and facial features. I thought she looked really smashing last year. P.S. Thanks for the query Fiona.
This sure looks VERY similar. Too similar to be a new hat ? I thinks it’s been reworked.
The two are made by different designers- I’m certain these are two different hats and not the same hat that’s been reworked!
Well, is it possible that it is the same hat, but reworked? As in, placed in the steamer and even re-shaped?
I agree.
Glad to see I’m not the only one who was pondering this grave matter. I also thought it was the same hat to start with, but the shape is different as is the embellishment. I too cannot quite work out why she has two, but the progression in how she wears them is interesting – fewer accessories, she’s pared the style down a bit and it’s working. I feel Bea is hitting her stride style wise at the moment, now… Let’s hope it’s contagious!
Well, thank you for your research . I enjoy the fruit of your labor! Those hats do look lovely on her and the gold color is very flattering to her hair and skin tone.