Next Saturday, all eyes will be on the Buckingham Palace balcony to see the hats and faces that gather for Trooping the Colour this year. The balcony has hosted all kinds of interesting hats for Trooping the colour over the years and I can’t remember two that delighted me more than the pair of pillboxes in this photo, generously sent to me yesterday by reader Jake. It’s June 14, 1969 and shows a wonderful bias striped design on Princess Alexandra (in the same fabric as her jacket) while a youthful Princess Anne is in one covered in giant daisies. How brilliantly of the times are they both?!
Thanks for sharing this, Jake!
Photo from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Princess Anne’s hat reminds me a bit too much of a swim cap, but Alexandra’s is wonderful, and I agree, would look marvelous on one of the York princesses today. Thanks, Jake, for finding this great photo!
Since it was 1969, I’ll have to say that they were groovy chicks! Thanks to Jake, Jimbo, and mcncln for the great photos.
Pillbox, yes!
Daisies, nope.
Sorry, daisies.
They are spectacular for the time AND for today! I can totally see Queen Maxima or the York sisters beautifully wearing these today!
I’m very excited to see two great hats that I’d be happy to have in my closet. Both princesses look wonderful.
Yes, I found this such a striking contrast between the 1960s mod look sported by Alexandra (and matching hat and outfit too? rare to see her do this so obviously) and Anne’s floral hat. Both ensembles are very much of their time, and yet are so streamlined and stylish I don’t think I would mind either of them returning today (although a color photo may change my mind haha).
Jake, here is a color photo of Anne for you.I’m still trying to locate a color shot of Alexandra, but alas they are rare as hens’ teeth!
Brilliant, Jimbo! How you continue to find these elusive hen’s teeth is a wonder.
Gosh Jimbo, I see Anne in this colour pic is wearing a real carnation — in conjunction with the fake daisies on her head! the driving outfit/dress code paired with this fashion hat is too odd for words.
Fabulous hats! I bet Princess Anne could still wear that beautiful outfit!
Any idea who the cute muffin is in front? Is that Marina Ogilvy?
Judging by how much she resembles her daughter Zenouska Mowatt at that age, it must be Marina.
Who is the worried-looking small child? Maybe Marina now Mowatt?
I like Princess Alexandra’s hat but I love Princess Anne’s daisies. Anyone want to bet that she still has it in her closet?
Doesn’t Princess Alexandra look absolutely amazing? The loveliest of all the royal princesses!
And so like her equally elegant Mother, Princess Marina!
Two fabulous looks! I adore Anne’s, and I admire the couture execution of Alexandra’s – the stripes are handled perfectly.
I was thrilled to find out the colours they are wearing. Both are utterly typical of the times, as you say HQ.
Alexandra’s matching dress is orange:
She wore it again in 1972 with a different hat: http://vintagemauritius.org/wp-content/uploads/Princess-Alexandra-and-Sir-Gaetan-Duval-1972.jpg
and with another hat in 1968:
Embed from Getty Images
And in a Pathe newsreel of the 1969 Trooping, Anne’s presence is offscreen — but luckily, a sliver of her dress is showing at the edge of the frame. Bright yellow! and does anyone else find her pairing of her dainty daisy hat with this heavy coat….unusual? https://www.allposters.com/-sp/Princess-Anne-Accompanied-by-Prince-Edward-Driving-a-French-Chaise-June-1969-Posters_i4176412_.htm
BRILLIANT finds! Thank you!