King Harald and Queen Sonja extended an official welcome to Latvian President Andris Bērziņš yesterday in a ceremony on the Palace Square. Despite the miserable weather (or perhaps in spite of it), Queen Sonja channeled spring in a new lavender felt hat. Trimmed only with a large flower made of sculpted ribbon, this hat is defined entirely by its shape- a stylised, exaggerated top hat with flared crown and short, rolled brim. While I adore the colour of this hat with Queen Sonja’s purple and grey paisley fur trimmed cape, I’m not a fan of its slightly cartoonish shape.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this is a new hat
Crown Princess Mette-Marit repeated her eggplant purple wool unembellished calot hat. I also though this hat was a miss, as it did not relate well to her beautiful ruffled Valentino coat. The placement of this hat continues to feel off to me (I’d prefer it higher, over the crown of her head) and adds to the the odd neckline confluence of ruffles, scarf and hat. The overall ensemble is off-balance for me between the floaty dress and wool hat.
Designer: Mona Strand
Previously Worn: May 17, 2013; December 10, 2012; October 10, 2012; December 10, 2008
Princess Astrid looked to be wearing a textured beret style hat. I suspect her black ensemble is in mourning for her husband, who passed away in late January. It looks like a smart hat, although we need a close look to be certain.
I am afraid that none of these hats excite me at all. Do any of them speak to you?
Photos from Vidar Ruud / NTB Scanpix and Berit Roald / NTB Scanpix via The Royal House of Norway
Royal Hats 
none of these hats is a winner I am afraid
Not only Astrid, but ALL of the family appeared to be wearing black, grey, violet – mourning!
In the first photo I almost thought it was our dear Beatrix instead of Sonja; looks very much like a cake hat from the side. Unfortunately, Sonja’s whole look just really misses the mark for me, and it just looks so dated. I find nothing wrong with Mette-Marit’s whole look, but I’m just tired of her choosing these calot hats which are almost snoods with how she places them. Astrid is the winner here; in fact, I don’t think I have yet to find a hat Astrid has worn that I haven’t liked! (granted, I haven’t seen many, but still . . .)
Is Angela Kelly now designing hats for the Queen of Norway? This is too far into Mad Hatter territory for me! I like calots but Mette-Marit’s looks like it’s falling off! I would like to wear her coat. Astrid’s is too hard to get a good look at but she gets a pass due to being in grief. Hers looks the most sensible hat here.
I think it’s safe to assume that Angela Kelly is not designing hats for Queen Sonja! She certainly is not the only designer who uses this shape.
I love Queen Sonja’s hat! I wouldn’t choose this color for myself, but maybe a darker purple. It is very reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s ‘mad hatter’ hats but shorter. If I had this in aubergine or a dark blue I would wear it!
The color is okay but I agree that HM’s hat is cartoonish. Also not a fan of the sliding calot! Oh well there is always more of Queen Maxima and Princess Mary somewhere, hopefully.
I actually enjoy the queen’s hat . . . it’s the big-bowed blouse that i don’t care for.
It looks like her majesty borrowed a hat from QEII, honestly. Perhaps it’s an Angela Kelly design?😘
Hmm, all a bit meh really. MM just needs to break out of those back of the neck warmers, it’s just been done now, it’s dull.
Faut de mieux, I don’t mind Sonja’s Parma violet number, not a favourite but it’s alright…
I agree Hat Queen with everything you said.
There’s always tomorrow…..
I think we shall all be waiting a long long time for MM to change from her preferred placement position!! Actually I don’t have a problem with it myself, I think maybe it is placed there so that more of her very blonde hair is showing and therefore she doesn’t end up looking bald. Or maybe she thinks it is more flattering or maybe it is more comfortable….who knows, for me personally it’s okay. I do have a problem with the colour of QS hat though; too 80’s bridesmaid lavender for me sorry and grating rather badly with the more smooth and cool and pleasant tone of the suit that she’s wearing. One hit one miss. Thanks.
I am giving the top mark to Astrid here. I agree that Sonja’s hat looks like something from the Disney studios. As for Mette-Marit’s hat, I just wish someone would burn it. Every time I see it, I want to push it up to the top of her head. It defies gravity.
I agree with what Glitter Girl says: March 19, 2015 at 5:28 am.