Queen And Duke of Edinburgh Reopen Canada House

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Royal Hats

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Canada House this morning to officially open high commission after extensive renovation and refurbishment. For this reopening, 90 years after her grandparents King George V and Queen Mary opened Canada House for the first time, Queen Elizabeth repeated her teal straw hat with band of lace wrapped around the base of the crown.

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The first time we saw this hat, at last year’s christening of the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier, I declared the hat a success but overall ensemble ruined by an ill fitting and unattractive coat. My opinion of the coat has not changed (further proven by the bunched neckline below) but my thoughts on the hat are less complimentary. The colour is beautiful on Her Majesty but the flat shape and lace trim is… it’s SO flat and one note.

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Today’s photos did provide one insight- the lace trim looks black on nearly every photo we have seen of this hat so far but I think it is actually navy blue, as shown below. While this colour combination works marginally better, it still does not make this hat and accompanying outfit a success.

Designer: Angela Kelly
Previously Worn: July 4, 2014

Since today’s royal engagement was all about seeing renovations, let’s brainstorm our own renovation, dearest readers. What renovation does this hat and accompanying ensemble need to work for our much loved Queen? What changes would rescue this ensemble?

Photos from Getty as indicated

Birthday of The Hereditary Grand Duchess

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Royal Hats

Royal Hats Princess Stéphanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, celebrated her 31st birthday today and I’m sure you all join me in wishing her health and happiness in the coming year. We have not seen Stéphanie in very many hats since the start of her royal life and thus, choosing one I wish her to repeat this year is difficult. Instead of peeking in her millinery closet for this suggestion, there is a hat belonging to her mother-in-law that I would love to see Stéphanie wear- this natural straw picture hat designed by Jane Taylor. With an upturned brim and unique trimming of anenome flowers crafted from feathers, this is a light and delicate hat that I think would be beautiful on the Hereditary Grand Duchess.

Are there any hats from Luxembourgish royal closets that you would like to see Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie wear over the next year?

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, June 23, 2012 in Jane Taylor | Royal Hats

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa celebrating Luxembourg’s National Day, June 23, 2012

Photos from RTL and Getty as indicated

Dutch Monarchs Visit Groningen and Drenthe

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Royal Hats

King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima visited the north eastern Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe yesterday. For this visit, which included stops at the Veenkoloniaal Museum and the Wedeka social labour centre, Máxima repeated her charcoal grey picture hat with rounded crown and diagonally raised ‘slice’ brim. There were some wonderful photos taken that give us a view of this hat’s marvellous brim from all angles.

I adore the orange and grey colour scheme of Máxima’s outfit and thought the grey hat and orange shoes balanced the ensemble very well.

Queen Máxima, Feburary 17, 2015 in Fabienne Delvigne | Royal Hats

Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: January 30, 2014; October 16, 2013; October 5, 2013

These photos made me realize that part of the success of this hat relies on the great vibrance of Máxima’s personality. On many others, this large grey hat would overwhelm but, as we often say about her millinery, Queen Máxima is able to carry it off. That, my dear readers, is why we all can’t wait to see what she wears next!

Photos from EPP / Pictures News via Paris Match and Getty as indicated