Monthly Archives: November 2015

British Royals Arrive For Commonwealth Meeting

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Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall travelled to Malta today for the Commonwealth Heads of State Summit. The Queen touched down wearing her second new hat this week, this one made in the same pale blue bouclé as her coat.

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The hat featured a squared crown with domed top and upfolded brim. Two navy silk roses at the side were its only trimming, providing contrast against the textured fabric.

Queen Elizabeth, November 26, 2015 in Angela Kelly | Royal Hats

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Designer: Angela Kelly
Previously Worn: this hat is new
Queen Elizabeth has numerous other hats in this shape, a shape that is a good proportion for her. There is something, however, about this piece that does not work for me. Perhaps it’s those navy flowers, which seem much better suited to a summer hat in natural straw? Maybe it is the fabric choice which seems too much of a good thing? I’m curious, dearest readers- do you share similar reservations about this hat?
Photos from Getty as indicated and Ian Pace/Demotix/Corbis

Akishino Princess Supports Hyogo Red Cross

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Princess Kiko was in Hyogo yesterday to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the city’s Red Cross Society. For the occasion, the princess, who is the Honorary Vice President of Japanese Red Cross Society, wore a navy blue silk covered hat. The hat featured a bowler shaped crown, a short brim and a wide band of braided silk trim that also trimmed Princess Kiko’s jacket. I thought this hat was worthy of a post because of the trim- an element that gives much textural interest and adds life to an otherwise pretty boring hat. It’s an an interesting touch, don’t you agree?

Princess Kiko, November 24, 2015 |Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new

Photo from Kobe Shimbun

Hat From the Past

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Royal Hats  Eagle-eyed reader Sarah passed on a most interesting royal hat find a few months ago and I thought it was high time to share it with all of you. This Ebay listing featured a hat from the estate of Princess Lilian of Sweden. Made by Scottish milliner John Boyd, the toque shaped hat is covered in pleated cream and navy silk and trimmed with handmade silk pompoms. The photos below show all sides of the hat including a peek inside- a view we never get to see! It’s a wonderful piece of exceptional quality and workmanship.

John Boyd design for Princess Lilian John Boyd design for Princess Lilian

John Boyd design for Princess Lilian

John Boyd design for Princess Lilian    John Boyd design for Princess Lilian

Unfortunately, I first saw the listing after it had already closed and was unable to make an offer. Whoever the buyer was, they are the lucky owner of a small piece of Swedish royal millinery history.

Thanks for sharing, Sarah!

Photos from Ebay

Queen Opens General Synod Meeting

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Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were at Church House this morning to officially inaugurate the tenth General Synod of the Church of England. The Queen marked the occasion with a new hat in heathered charcoal grey straw.

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With a tall, fluted crown with domed top, the hat was simply trimmed with a charcoal and cream double bow and a stripe of cream piping around the edge of the cartwheel brim.

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I really like the contrasting colour scheme of this piece and the restrained use of trim is very effective. I’m less keen on the shape of the hat’s crown which feels slightly too tall and sets its overall proportion off.

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Designer: Rachel Trevor Morgan. Coat by Stewart Parvin
Previously Worn: This hat is new
It has been a while since we saw Her Majesty début a new hat- what are your thoughts on this one?
Photos from Getty as indicated