Queen Mathilde of Belgium was at Ypres yesterday to attend the 30,000th playing of The Last Post from the Menin Gate. The Queen, lay a floral tribute, wore a black ringed headpiece we have seen on her before. With her graphic cream and black dress, I thought her ensemble hit just the right note for this occasion.
Photos from Getty as indicated and HLN
Royal Hats 
I don’t like the topless hat. The dress is exquisite.
I would love to own that dress. The headpiece she can keep!
I loved everything about Queen Mathilde of Belgium’s dress and accessories, and that dress photographs so well from different angles, but I cannot develop any love for crownless hats. It looks a bit like a snake on her head. Even if it’s hot, she could surely have worn a small, light pillbox couldn’t she?
A very elegant dress, perfect.
Very nice ensemble. I am not a fan of the ring style hat normally, but here it works with her outfit.
So respectful. Excellent.
The epitome of elegance, as always. I have attended this ceremony. It is incredibly moving and I am glad she was there for this important anniversary.
Beautiful dress. As ring hats go, this is pretty good, and I certainly understand that heat waves require adjustments. (Chopping the top off a hat might just be one of them!)
What an elegant, flattering dress. The headpiece from the front looks fine and I take the point about the European heatwave.
Those “ring” hats seem popular lately, but given the European heat wave, totally understandable. Queen Mathilde looks appropriate for the occasion, as always.
You make a great point Penelope- this style of hat/headpiece is a great choice during a heatwave.
Lovely as ever