Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the Order of the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh this morning. They were both dressed in the velvet robes and distinctive plumed hat of the order. These hats always make me smile.
They were joined by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Strathearn (as the Duke of Cambridge is known in Scotland), who looks less enthused with his hat.
Photos from Chris Watt/Stringer, Chris Watt/Stringer and Chris Watt/Stringer via Getty
Royal Hats 
Yes, I noticed William’s expression wearing this paraphanalia. I had to wonder if when he becomes king, how long these traditions will endure and if he will inflict this on his son. It was quite amusing. The Queen and Princess Anne look quite good in it. The men, -not so much.
This is not about the hats, but do you know what is the purpose of those circular holes in the robes?
I believe if you look closely they represent the vestiges of a hat used in earlier times.