to October 20, 1988 and a cream straw veiled bumper hat with interesting gingham pinwheel/back ruffle worn on a trip to Spain. If you look closely, there also appears to be a layer of the peach gingham under the brim- an unusual element we don’t often see on Her Majesty’s hats. This design was a new one for me- do any of you remember seeing it before?
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Please use the comments to also share any hats or royal hat news from today. The Dutch state visit continues in Portugal- we might see another hat on Queen Máxima.
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I have greatly enjoyed this whole “old hat” series, but it makes me realize my age, as I recognize every single one of these from its original wearing.
Her Majesty always seem particularly comfortable around Juan Carlos. But her hat leaves me cold–I am not a fan of gingham except as fabric for a tablecloth, and agree with the commenter who says “cute” does not work well for the queen.
This hat was worn again on a visit to HMS Invincible in Portsmouth in May 1989 Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The dress was worn with a different jacket and hat for Trooping the Colour in June 1991.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Incidentally, it’s amusing to see Princess Alexandra, Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Kent all in red outfits.
This second hat had previously been worn on a visit to the USA with a different dress in 1991:
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Goodness, that balcony photo really is funny. Three men and four women all in scarlet red.
James: Great research, and wonderful finds! It must be a slow Wednesday for you! I like the 2nd hat better.
What I think is funny is having James, James B, Jimbo, and I think there’s a Jamie out there!
I’ve said it before – there might have to be a cull!! (Or perhaps it’s our version of Queen Máx having the same hat in 12 different colours!!)
Queen Maxima in Portugal on October 11:
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
one more
Embed from Getty Images
Good lord this is a mish-mash. Hard to tell exactly what shade the dress is (in one shot it looks pink, in another salmon), but the hairpiece is dusky pink veering towards purple, she’s wearing orange earrings and an orange daisy on her pearls, her accessories are brown. I don’t get this ensemble at all.
I agree Sandra, there’s a Helluva Lot Going On. Not this headpiece’s finest moment.
June 14, 1988 Royal Ascot
Embed from Getty Images
While I think the bow could be improved, the size and shape of this hat are perfect on the Queen.
Goodness me. That sweet gingham trim on the top with the silk ribbon bow reminds me of some handcrafted item from the local fete – a stocking holder, jewellery pouch, or the like. And the matching tablecloth dress? it’s a look of full-on girlish cuteness – and Princess Diana with her youth and charm would probably have pulled this combination off…..I just don’t think that “cute” has ever sat particularly well on HM. And this orange colour is so unflattering, too. For me, the best feature of this hat is the veil.
A closer shot, where the details are more prominent. I’ve seen worse.
Clearly I was paying a lot of attention to HM’s hats at 13 as I remember this one well! It’s a good look, she looks well put together even if it’s not the most exciting of her hats.
The big one for me – doesn’t JC look young and handsome!
I thought the same thing about the KIng! In fact, for a moment I didn’t recognize him, and I am much much older than you! As for the twee hat, it does look like it is trimmed with a craft project to me, too.