Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands visited her namesake Children’s Hospital at the University Medical Center Groningen to unveil a new art installation. The princess unveiled the artwork, a collage of her own portraits, with the help of one of the hospital’s young patients. For this event, Princess Beatrix repeated her large red brimless straw hat with a indented, domed crown. The shape of the crown is emphasized with navy trim. I’m on the fence about this hat at the best of times and I’m afraid its pairing with this suit puts me firmly in ‘no’ territory (I much prefer it with the navy dress and red cape Princess Beatrix wore with it on its last outing). What do you think of this red hat?
Designer: Suzanne Moulijn
Previously Worn: May 22, 2013; March 9, 2011
Photos from Albert Philip van der Werf, Albert Philip van der Werf, Patrick van Katwijk, Patrick van Katwijk and Patrick van Katwijk via Corbis
I’m always happy to see Lady Sarah Chatto at British Royal Family events. Her sleek, streamlined style often carries a 1950s vibe and this kind of ‘vintage modern’ personal style is unique in royal circles. In recent years, Sarah has frequently stepped out in two versions of the same Stephen Jones saucer hat- one in cream and one in black. I suppose life as a ‘mini royal’ does not warrant many hats and ordering a favoured style in two classic colours is an easy way to manage a millinery wardrobe. In a world of marvellous hat design options, however, it seems curious to me to have multiple versions of such a distinctive shape. When she appeared at Easter two weeks ago in another version of this same style, I found myself even more perplexed.
Royal Hats 