When you look at the trimming on Queen Elizabeth’s many hats, you will see a plethora of bows, feathers, flowers, leaves, poufs and even bits of fur. One of her milliners, Rachel Trevor Morgan, has trimmed a number of hats with unique flowers crafted from individual feathers. The likeness of these ‘plumed blooms’ is remarkable.

Hibiscus and Amaryllis

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On a tour of Canada, June 30, 2010; At an April 30, 2012 Diamond Jubilee walkabout at Windsor 

Spider Chrysanthemum

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At an April 9, 2014 recital by the Royal College of Organists to commemorate their 150th anniversary

Dahlia and Carnation

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During a February 2, 2011 visit to Norwich; on a November 28, 2012 visit to a Windsor hospice

Alstroemeria

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At the Epsom Derby, June 2, 2012; on a visit to East London, July 16, 2015

I think this creative combination of two common hat embellishments- the feather and the flower- is brilliant. Too often, we see feathers on royal hats that stick out madly in odd directions. Rachel Trevor Morgans use of feathers to create delicate flowers gives more polish and purpose to feather embellishment and creates the most wonderful optical illusion from afar. What do you think of using feathered flowers to trim Queen Elizabeth’s hats? Which hat stands out to you most?

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Queen Elizabeth was spotted enjoying the Dubai Duty Free Weekend at Newbury racecourse earlier today (some of you might remember the Queen’s horse winning this event last year). Accompanying her wide smile was a well worn hat we have not seen in a while – a claret red top hat with fluted crown and small, upturned brim edged in black trim. I can’t ever imagine a top hat being a good idea for the Queen… am I the only one who sees this hat and irrationally expects that she will pull a cane out of her purse and break out into Vaudeville song and dance? My dislike of this hat aside, I must admit it is cheeky and rather fun. And I can’t help having a chuckle about it every time I see it. What do you think of this hat? 

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Designer: unknown. My guess is Philip Somerville or Angela Kelly
Previously Worn: March 13, 2008; October 19, 2007; May 24, 2007; May 19, 2006; February 5, 2006; January 1, 2006; November 8, 2005; May 18, 2005

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Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh attend a concert at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle today  in celebration of the 150th anniversary of The Royal College of Organists. For this concert, Queen Elizabeth wore one of the hats we first saw during her Diamond Jubilee tour. This hat, in cantaloupe-hued straw, features a slightly diagonal crown , upturned brim on one side and a side spray of delicate feathers. I go back and forth with this hat… the shape? Marvellous. The colour? Not my favourite. The mix of textures between the Queen’s dress, coat and the feathers on the hat? Perfection. We don’t see Her Majesty often in shades of peach so I suppose it might be a nice change for her. Not every one of her outfits can be rich red,  brilliant blue, or peony pink now, can it?

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