Looking back to August 1980 and the 80th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Still in her turban era, the birthday hat she donned that day was a voluminous concoction of silk organza dotted ruffles and white feathers. For one’s 80th birthday, why not?!
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
That hat was a good 10 years out of date even then, but no matter, she rocks it. Her natural exuberance really carried off any look. I’m rather a fan of QEQM’s feathered extravaganzas before she settled for good on the turned back brims that became ubiquitous.
Jimbo, I didn’t realize wearing a hat stole the limelight from others. I will have to keep that in mind in the future. Of course the style of the Queen Mother’s hat isn’t to my taste, but I love how the polka dots on the dress are reflected in the netting. She looks so adorable standing there with her corgi. I thought it interesting that she still wore a white purse and white shoes on her 80th birthday which HM seems to rarely do. Does anybody know when HM stopped regularly wearing white accessories in the summer?
With true class, HM and Margaret forgo hats, knowing the limelight is on their mother. This has been the case many times, when the three step out for photos, parades, well wishers, etc. PS I’m not a fan of QM’s hat.
The Queen Mother wore such exuberant hats and this is a lovely example. Color is outstanding and she looks so happy.
Back than that style was quite elegant, some styles don’t pass the test of time this is one of them, still she oozes that era and she does so very well.
Why not, indeed! She owned that style, didn’t she?