The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Wellington today to begin a twelve day tour to New Zealand and Australia. Camilla appeared at Government House for an official welcome in one of her cream picture hats with wide, curving up-swept brim. This piece, in subtly sparkling straw that compliments the metallic sleeves of her coat, is trimmed with a large ruched band that circles around the perimeter of the hat.
Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress and coat by Bruce Oldfield.
Previously Worn: June 15, 2015; June 15, 2013; September 16, 2012; June 19, 2012; June 3, 2012
Previously Worn: June 15, 2015; June 15, 2013; September 16, 2012; June 19, 2012; June 3, 2012
While we have seen this dramatic hat several times before, it’s outing today is not a surprise as it makes for a grand and elegant ensemble that is perfect to kick off a major tour. There will undoubtedly be several more hats worn during this visit- here’s keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll see a few new pieces in the mix. Stay tuned!
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Now I’m feeling left out. I googled for the parquet coat but didn’t get anything. Can someone post a link? Thx. so much.
Sorry Judy- it’s a nickname given to the coat Camilla wore for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving. She has not repeated it (nor the coordinating hat) so far.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Personally I would be disappointed if I met Camilla and she wasn’t wearing a big dramatic hat! But I’m a sucker for these and adore Camilla for having the guts and personality and style to pull off these great Treacy creations. The coat is also stunning. I do hope we see something new for her soon though, or like @JamesB said, the parquet floor coat at least!
It is most curious that Camilla, who repeats all of her outfits to extreme, has not repeated the infamous parquet coat and hat.
It was absolutely dreadful weather when they arrived in Wellington. Wind was wild. As the day wore on, Camilla switched to a ivory coloured headscarf and looked quite appropriate and warmer.
Because she tilts her head slightly it give the illusion like the hat is top-heavy, there is no balance
Although I like the Duchess of Cornwall’s hat, I do think it’s a bit large for an indoor event, as some others have said. The hat and coat would be better suited to a day at the races. I am disappointed that she didn’t wear something new for this major appearance.
I think HRH looks very elegant. Love the coat, is that new?
I don’t like the hat as much as the coat, and the Duchess would look equally dramatic if the hat were a tad smaller, but this is her signature look, and it’s spectacular. I do agree that some new outfits would seem appropriate for an overseas tour.
I always like Cams in her large hats – but I agree, this one has a bit too much upward turned brim on it – but all in all, she looks great.
I agree it is a bit on the too large side.
I love Camilla in a beautiful cream ensemble, yet I had the same thought about the hat being too large. In fact, I often think Camilla’s hats could be scaled down by 20% or so. She often looks like she’ll topple over. I’ll stay tuned in for the rest of the visit and maybe I’ll change my mind.
I think a Royal Tour calls for new gear. It’s not the right time to recycle the old stuff. I wouldn’t wear this enormous hat myself, but I do think the Duchess manages to pull it off. I like the light sparkle in it, and the details on the crown (as shown in the links above during its previous outings). The cut of this coat suits her perfectly, and the metallic sleeves lift it from what could otherwise be a rather matronly look. I hope she wears some new hats on this Tour. I hope the Queen has loaned her the Andamooka opals for her Aussie visit too. I’d also like to see the Wattle and Hibiscus Brooches as well.
This is a fairly minor complaint, but I don’t like the size of this hat considering the circumstances. I believe it looks oversized considering that one of the main events, I presume, of this part of her day was an indoor ceremony. Photographs were certainly part of the plan and her hat overwhelmed what her staff should have known would be close up shots of the participants. When the main purpose of an activities is something like a luncheon, tea, visit to an indoor locations, etc., I believe that a smaller scale hat is in order. Otherwise, I am apt to put a caption on this that says, “Look at me! I have on a big hat!” Hat and outfit would have been perfect for an outdoor parade, walk-around, etc.
I still like it as much as I always have – but can’t help thinking that a new or lesser worn outfit would have been appropriate. I do hope the parquet floor gets an outing on this trip, that’s a woefully neglected look of Camilla’s…