to this day, forty- one years ago today, and a visit to Helsinki that saw Queen Elizabeth in a blue gingham suit and matching cloche hat. The gingham squares make a wonderful pattern stretched over the crown of the hat.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
This was a good shape for HM, and the twisted band is a nice touch. She looks like she’s having more fun at the horse show, though. But lunch in Helsinki and back to Windsor fouls must have made a very long day.
A good shot at the jacket – very nice look at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, ALSO dated May 1, 1976.
Embed from Getty Images
I don’t recall ever having seen this hat. The stretched fabric on the crown is clever and attractive.
I rather like the hat. Wonder if it was a little chilly out, because it’s unusual to see HM with a sweater or shawl over her shoulders.
Hmm, does HM appear somewhat unenthusiastic about that smorgasbord?
But back to the hat. (sigh) another one of those practical, all-purpose shapes that was popular in the seventies. I can’t decide whether it reminds me more of a bulbous pith helmet (due to the stretched fabric) or a mid-century Womens Lawn Bowls uniform. HM looks ready to play croquet . Nice band trim, though.