Monthly Archives: May 2019

Royal Windsor Horse Show

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As in years past, The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which is taking part on the grounds of Windsor Castle this week, has seen both royal spectators and participants taking part. Today, Lady Louise placed third in a carriage driving competition, looking very smart in her repeated loden green felt driving hat. The design follows the basic shape of a top hat with quirky, upturned brim on one side balanced by an exuberant spray of swirled striped pheasant and chocolate-burgundy biot feathers on the other side, finished with wide green silk hatband overlaid on the bottom with slim, scrolled green braid.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: May 13, 2018

Lady Louise’s mum and grandparents were on hand to cheer her on. The Duke of Edinburgh, who also drove a carriage in the show, looked dapper in a khaki plaid wool flat cap. The Queen was all smiles in a daffodil printed silk headscarf.

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Photos from Getty as indicated 

Emperor and Empress Conduct First Imperial Rituals

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Emperor Naruhito conducted his first Imperial ritual today, dispatching messengers to Ise Grand Shrine and the mausoleums of five deceased emperors. For this event, the emperor wore traditional sokutai robes with a tall, black kanmuri hat.

Following this ritual, Emperor Naruhito and and Empress Masako visited Kashikodokoro (one of the Three Palace Sanctuaries) to report the dates of the Enthronement and Daijosai ceremonies. The emperor again appeared in sokutai robes, this time in the dark rust-brown colour reserved for his role, and the distinctive black kanmuri hat.

Empress Masako wore a traditional “junihitoe” of multi-layered robes which dates back to the Heian Era (794 to 1185). The lime silk top robe with under-robes in red, salmon and purple follow a similar colour scheme chosen by Empress Emerita Michiko when she took part in this same ceremony in 1990. The new empress’ hair was styled in a the elaborate sculpted sweeping ponytail extending down her back that is worn with this costume along with a triple pronged golden headpiece, secured just above her forehead.

For her arrival at the Imperial Palace earlier in the day, the empress wore an ice blue silk jacket with beautifully cut collar and a matching silk covered bumper hat. It’s a streamlined look I hope we can see from better view, soon.

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Photo from Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP and social media as indicated

Debut of Baby Sussex

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduced their son to the world this morning in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. Wee Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor made this first appearance in a sweet and cozy cream cashmere cap.

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Designer: G.H. Hurt & Son. It is the Cashmere Baby Hat

I’m sure you all join me in congratulating the Duke and Duchess on this new arrival to their family and welcoming another hat wearer into the British Royal Family.

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Photos from Getty as indicated 

Dutch Royals Commemorate Remembrance Day

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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima took part in the Dutch annual Remembrance Day ceremony in Amsterdam on Saturday. For this event, which saw the couple place a wreath at the Dam Memorial, Queen Máxima repeated her ruched black silk calot hat. The pleated design of this piece gives it lovely, textural sense of movement and while its small scale somewhat limits its overall statement, the hat fits well for an event of this nature.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: Sep 28, 2017;  November 4, 2016; July 23, 2014; March 22, 2014

It’s been a while since we’ve seen this piece on Queen Máxima- did Saturday’s outing alter your thoughts on it?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Funeral of Grand Duke Jean: Royal Guests

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The funeral of Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was attended by representatives from nearly every European royal house, many who wore hats. Out of respect for this event and the Grand Duke’s memory, this post contains photos only (no commentary) and is not open for comments.

Monarchs from Denmark, Sweden, Liechtenstein and Norway:

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Spanish, Romanian and Greek Queens:

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Dutch, British and Norwegian Royals:

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Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian and Portuguese Princesses

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Jordanian and Moroccan Royals:

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Marlene Koenig, author of Royal Musings, published a full guest list here. Representatives from numerous abolished, lesser known European monarchies (mostly French, German and Prussian) were in attendance but have not been included here- you can see them at this comprehensive post over at Luxarazzi.

Photos from Getty as indicatedÂ