The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Alexandra attended a memorial Service of Thanksgiving for Lady Mary Soames at Westminster Abbey yesterday. Lady Soames, who was the last surviving child of Winston Churchill and mother to Prince Charles’ close friend Conservative MP Sir Nicholas Soames, died at the age of 91 on May 31, 2014. For this event, Camilla repeated her black straw picture wrapped in ostrich feathers. We have seen this hat twice earlier this year and yesterday’s pairing with her very structured suit was my favourite ensemble so far. I think the voluminous hat balances well with a sharply tailored outfit and Camilla looked marvelous.
Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: November 9, 2014; May 1, 2014; November 11, 2012; November 12, 2011; November 9, 2008
Princess Alexandra wore an elegant black felt hat with slightly raised brim. The hat was trimmed in a triple band of velvet around the crown, a velvet bow at the side, and black net tulle wrapped around the brim. The sloped brim is really lovely on Alexandra, and the delicate tulle lends a very light and pretty touch to this hat.
Designer: I suspect it is Rachel Trevor Morgan
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new
I thought both the Duchess and Princess Alexandra looked wonderfully elegant yesterday. What did you think of their hats?
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Just dawned on me that maybe the Duchess is channeling the Prince of Wales feathers with this hat!
Love both of these! I am a bit surprised at Camilla’s wearing the same hat so soon. The feathers don’t bother me so much. I guess I am looking at a memorial service 6 months after death as “half-mourning” of a sort with slightly relaxed”rules”.
Sorry, but to me it’s a dust mop in disguise. She has much better in her closets.
Both look absolutely appropriate and elegant. I usually like Camilla’s big hats but I think the feathers might be a tad too fun for a funeral. Princess Alexandra’s hat reminds me that I just don’t like netting. I think her hat would be better without it.
Just to clarify- it was a memorial Service of Thanksgiving and not a funeral.
Princess Alexandra looks great but then she usually does. I like this hat of Camilla’s but I think it’s a tad too much for the occasion and we have seen her in it so recently on Remembrance Day as well. I think I would have chosen a different hat to wear for her if anyone had asked me that is!
I love both hats and both ladies look lovely, except for that “bug” crawling up Camilla’s shoulder.
I firmly believe straw hats should not be worn with winter clothes. I am in the minority, I know, but I find Camilla’s enormous hats comical and not at all to my taste. Alexandra, on the other hand, is always perfection. She could give lessons.
I’m with you Glitter Girl – when I grew up in the 40s you put away ALL straw for winter. No straw hats – no straw bags after Labor Day ever! And I have a hard time thinking of wearing straw still in the winter and I live in California!
I must agree, the Duchess’s hat is too over-the-top for a Memorial Service, though I like the rest of her outfit, except for the stick insect brooch. Princess Alexandra is the clear winner here.
Well done . Really like the Duchess’ suit. Princess Alexandra is perfect.
Spot on for both the ladies. The British aristocracy are experts, in my opinion, on appropriate attire. They never seem to disappoint.
What a delight to see two of my favorite Royal ladies. Both look beautiful, and they hit a home run with the hats and their outfits. Both of these ladies look very humorous and intelligent. The family is lucky to have them. I have always liked the Duchess, but the more I see her, the more I appreciate her. Princess Alexandra’s face reminds me very much of her mother, Princess Marina, although in personality, she is very different! I would wear either of those hats in a New York minute.
Both ladies looked amazing, but I`m always so happy to see Princess Alexandra out and about. So regal!
When the Duchess of Cornwall gets it right, she really nails it! There is something about this hat that makes one think fleetingly of a “Pearly Queen”…but not in any negative way, and it is amazing with that suit.
Princess Alexandra is, as ever, plue perfect and right on the mark.
Lovely appearances for a sad occasion.
Both ladies look absolutely beautiful, love both hats and would wear either when going out, so where can I get those hats?
This is one of my favorite hats on Camilla and it works with a variety of suits. This structured one looks lovely with it and the one with ruffles that she wore recently also looked lovely too. Princess Alexandra looks absolutely wonderful.