On Saturday, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne on Saturday. Queen Mathilde repeated a brimless hat made of the same silver-theaded muted black fabric as her coat. I like this hat in front views, where it looks like a pillbox. From the side, however, its domed crown looks to have a slightly pointed top. I just can’t get behind a pointy pillbox.
Designer: unconfirmed
Previously Worn: November 11, 2011
In a homage to U.S. Army General Anthony McAuliffe, who had said “Nuts!” in response to an ultimatum from the German army, the royal couple threw nuts to the crowd.
http://www.rtl.be/videos/page/rtl-video-en-embed/640.aspx?VideoID=519012
Photos from AFP and EPA via The Daily Mail
Royal Hats 
My take on this hat is it’s a pillbox without a pointed crown – the point I see from the side is coming from the bow embellishment.
Oh now I see the point from the other side you referenced — not terribly opposed to it – I think it’s kid of cute on her.
I’m such an admirer of Queen Mathilde and she is lovely, elegant and appears so genuine. I do like her hat, and her entire outfit. What a cute way to remember the General’s response to the ultimatum. I love seeing their smiles for that. Thank you for the pictures.
Lovely and elegant.
She looks so dignified and elegant, and so sad. There is a lot of love among the royals in Belgium, and the loss of the indomitable Fabiola must be a terrible blow. Even though we know people age and die, it is still a blow when it happens to a loved one. I saw stills and video from the funeral, and Queen Mathilde and King Phillipe appeared to be the most affected. Their grief was very much on display, while others look somber, and obviously upset, the King and Queen seem devastated. Queen Mathilde seems to have aged almost overnight. I must admit that I prefer to see genuine grief as opposed to the British stiff upper lip which often makes them look dyspeptic, instead of sad. I also hope the Christmas season with her husband and children restores some happiness to Her Majesty. On a totally different subject, has the palace in Monaco released pictures of the new babies? I am curious to see them. I will bet they are just darling.
jamiemid: I agree with your comments about Queen Mathilde and King Phillipe. I read on the internet that photos of the new royal twins in Monaco were to be released sometime in January – can’t remember if it was early January or late January.
The royal twins in Monaco will be officially presented on January 7. Perhaps we’ll see a glimpse of them (in hats, hopefully!) when Princess Charlene leaves the hospital later this week.
I agree sandra, I like the entire outfit, though I agree with
HatQueen that the hat could have been improved without the point which you see from a side view. The Queen always looks great in blue.
First I have to say that I really admire Queen Mathilde and think she is one of the most genuine and yet most elegant of royal women. Having said that, I am saddened to see how much she has suffered and grieved for her Aunt by Marriage. She looks years older and on the verge of tears. I hope the upcoming Christmas season will bring her some joy. The entire Belgian royal family gave Fabiola a marvelous funeral.
I agree Glitter Girl, the King and Queen still look very upset, and it’s brave of them to carry on with scheduled events.
Nice hat and an appropriate and nice outfit for someone still in mourning at an event to remember the fallen.. The shot of QM ready to launch her nuts is lovely (and look at KP’s grin). A quirky touch of fun at an otherwise sombre occasion.
She looks her beautiful self in that photo (“ready to launch her nuts” LOL!!!). I love this hat from the front view but agree that it would be better without the little point on top.
More queens should have nuts in their handbags for spontaneous tossing – can’t you just see Max doing it? Marvellous fun.