I need to delay coverage of the Imperial Enthronement a day while I continue searching for photos, so will jump to other royal events happening today. The Duchess of Cornwall was at Aldershot Military Athletics Stadium this morning to take part in the 4th Battalion, The Rifles military parade. For this awards ceremony, the Duchess, who is Royal Colonel of the regiment, repeated her textured black beret hat trimmed with mottled, dark green feather.
We see Camilla in so many wide brimmed hats, it’s a nice change to see her in something smaller scale (although, as far as berets go, this one is rather large!). The scale is a good one for the Duchess, and the beret shape and dark palate is a good contrast against her blonde hair while fitting well for military events such as these. The feather has also grown on me in the decade this hat has been in circulation- while I initially was not a fan, I’ve come around to appreciate it as a strong statement and love how it seems to hover in front of the hat- something that looks effortless but I know, is not!
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: May 22, 2012; Nov 20, 2010; Nov 14, 2010; May 5, 2010; Dec 14, 2009; Nov 5, 2009; Oct 9, 2009; Dec 14, 2007
While this hat has been publicly worn for more than a decade, I believe this is the first time we’ve discussed it here. So, dearest readers- what do you think of this black beret on the Duchess?
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Berets are a favorite of mine and these are among some of the best. I would love to see the texture of the fabric used in this black beret as it looks rich and interesting! I love Camilla’s use of feathers!!!!
Yes, I definitely agree about the fabric! Does anyone know what type of fabric it is? I didn’t see it described anywhere.
the hat doesn’t have a nice flow, more like the wind blew the feather against the hat
Lovely classic hat. The single feather is a timeless feature, and the simplicity is very modern. Here’s HM’s more daring take on a single feather nearly 60 years ago at The Highland Games in 1962: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/queen-elizabeth-style-through-the-ages/queen-wardrobe-1962/
I do feel that such a simple modernist statement hat needs a coat that’s equally simple and plain (the coat HM is wearing above is a good pairing). Today’s skirt suit in my view is too fussy for such a hat, likewise the green coat with the astrakhan collar seen in the Duchess’ other wearings. My favourite coat with this hat is the plainer black one worn on Nov 14, 2010: Embed from Getty Images
I don’t think I would consider this hat as beautiful, but it is bold and striking (in a good way). As people have commented, it makes a nice change among her other hats.
The feather looks stupendous from some angles, but from others it looks like it’s half-way through falling off. But the idea is fresh (despite its age) and fun. Overall win, I’d say.
I can’t believe it’s been so long since Camilla last wore this. It definitely is a nice change from what she usually wears (large brims and pastels/beiges) and she wears this design well.
I like this hat on the Duchess; her version of one of Zara’s recent hats! I also like the darker colour on her. We see her in a lot of pastels and pale shades, so this makes a nice change of colour as well as brimless design. It goes well with the outfit, without being an exact match.
I can’t decide if I really like this style of hat, camouflage feather and all, or if it comes off as too whimsical, borderline comical. Here are two more to consider. The saturated colors are very nice on her, however. Any opinions out there?
Embed from Getty Images
I really like this current hat, and I love the blue with a feather you showed. The red with two feathers is my least favorite. I was pleased to see this- I thought it was new until I started reading, and it makes me really happy both that it’s been frequently worn and over many years. It still looks lovely on the duchess. I love the dark black and green against her pretty hair, and the green outfit is wonderful for the event. Great appearance imo.
Love both of these feathered beret styles, too. I haven’t seen these before, either!
The feather on the blue one looks rather gravity defying and strange to me, but I like the red one and the one today looked very nice, too.
I like these styles a lot. If Camilla wore these styles with less busy outfits, i think they could look sensational – the way Duchess Meghan’s hats with a single embellishment look awesome with her very simple ensembles.
I have to agree with k2classroom that the flying feather on the blue one looks kind of odd, but I do like the red one.
Regarding the full ensemble, I like this suit as well as the outfits the Duchess chose on previous outings of this hat, but I wish she had worn flesh-toned stockings rather than matching ones — the head-to-toe solid color is entirely too dark.