Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted their second Garden Party this summer season in the grounds of Buckingham Palace yesterday afternoon. Despite rainy weather, the Queen looked very sunny in her yellow hat with flat brim and crown, trimmed with rosettes and leaves on the side. Many of you will recognize this ensemble from its debut back in 2011 at Prince William’s wedding. I must admit that it has grown on me since then (I initially found all the right angles in the hat too severe) and have come to appreciate its simplicity. I particularly love that the Queen matched the trim on her umbrella to her ensemble (as she usually does).
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Designer: Angela Kelly, made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: June 16, 2012; October 23, 2011; April 29, 2011
The Duke of Edinburgh looked dapper, as always, in a dove grey top hat.
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This party was attended by two of the Queen’s four children and their wives, who both repeated beautiful hats.
The Duchess of Cornwall repeated her magnificent pale turquoise blue picture hat with an asymmetrical brim trimmed with a spray of dove grey feathers. Camilla carries large, dramatic hats so very well and this shade of blue, which looks amazing on her, makes this one of my favourite of her hats.
Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: June 17, 2013; June 6, 2013; June 16, 2012; June 13, 2009; September 10, 2008; June 18, 2008
The Countess of Wessex repeated her spectacular beigey-pink asymmetrical waved straw hat. This hat, trimmed with a rosette and long, curling feather spines, is so light and lovely- exactly the kind of hat I imagine for a garden party. I was a little perplexed, however, at her pairing it with this rather heavy looking skirt and jacket. I much prefer this hat with the light and airy Bruce Oldfield suit Sophie paired it with at its fist outing.
Designer: Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: July 30, 2011
It was so lovely to see Princess Alexandra of Kent at the garden party yesterday, back on her feet after a long illness last year. She looked regal in a royal blue picture hat trimmed with silk flowers, net and gently curling feathers.
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Designer: Rachel Trevor Morgan
Previously Worn: June 2011
Alexandra’s brother, the Duke of Kent, also looked handsome in in a dove grey top hat.
T’was a wonderful day of millinery at Buckingham Palace yesterday, despite the showers. Which hat was your favourite?
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
