Hitachi Couple Open Ski Championship

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Royal Hats

On Sunday, Prince Masahito and Princess Hanako of Hitachi attended the opening ceremony of the 65th Chubu Region Ski Championships. For this event in Nanto City, Princess Hanko wore a black wool hat with square crown and rolled brim, trimmed with a trio of feathers on the side. Hanako’s hats are usually more interesting than other millinery worn by the Imperial ladies and this piece, paired with her smart pumpkin hued suit, made for an elegantly stylish ensemble. What did you think of this hat?

Princess Hanako, January 25, 2015 | Royal Hats

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

Photo from Asahi and Hokkoku Shimbun

Birthday of Princess Charlene of Monaco

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Royal Hats

Royal Hats Princess Charlene of Monaco celebrated her 37th birthday yesterday- I’m sure you join me in wishing her the very best. While Charlene does not wear hats very often, there is one previously worn piece that stands out to me- the dove grey straw picture hat she wore for the wedding of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in April 2011. The simplicity of the design and the gentle wave of the brim made it an exquisite hat on Charlene and I would love to see her wear it again.

Which of her previously worn hats would you like to see Princess Charlene repeat this year?

Photo from Getty as indicated

Belgian Monarchs Launch Mons as Cultural Capital

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Royal Hats

Members of the European Commission named two cities as the European Capitals of Culture 2015 – Mons, Belgium and Plzen, Czech Republic. On Saturday, the ceremony launching Mons into this new role was held at the Sainte Waudru Cathedral and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were in attendance. Queen Mathilde wore a version of a headpiece that gained considerable response here at Royal Hats last year (and tied for your choice for least favourite royal hat of 2014) – the infamous royal antlers. This version, in caramel brown, included a fury headband anchoring the piece.

Queen Mathilde, January 24, 2015 in Fabienne Delvigne | Royal Hats

I continue to be surprised at the number of hats and headpieces worn by Queen Mathilde and Queen Máxima that are the same. As their main milliner is the same, one would think this could easily be avoided. That complaint aside, I can hardly wait to hear your responses on this headpiece!

Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: This is a new headpiece

Photos from Benoit Doppagne and Benoit Doppagne via Getty