Over the next six weeks, we’re going to fill quiet days with a series that takes us back through royal hats worn on Christmas Day. Today, we start with the Duchess of Cornwall:
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Navy felt crown and straw brimmed hat with blue moire silk tafetta brim binding & hatband with statement flower in 2005; Leopard print felt beret with feather pinwheel trim in 2006, both by Philip Treacy
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Black straw sidwsweep with velvet hatband and flying bow in 2007; Navy blue felt beret percher with silk rose in 2008, both by Philip Treacy
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Dark blue faux fur papakha in 2009 and its chocolate twin in 2010, both by Philip Treacy
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A slouchy wool Lock & Co hat with faux fur cuff brim in 2011
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Flat crowned designs in jewel tones from Philip Treacy- purple in 2012 and navy in 2013
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Dramatic black felt upsweep with wide ribbon binding by Philip Treacy in 20015 and 2016
Red wool hat with ruched crown and faux fur cuff brim from Lock and Co in 2017
Update- since this post was published, the Duchess has worn the following hats on Christmas Day:
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Royal purple felt helmet with feathers by Philip Treacy in 2019
I thought there would be more repeated designs in this group, and I’m also surprised by how Camilla’s hats have become more streamlined over the past decade- those early hats make major statements! What do you think of this millinery progression, dearest readers?
Photos from Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock; and Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Although she wears almost all hats with refinement and expertise, my vote goes to the 2012 and 2017.
The blue coat in 2016 received lots of positive press because of the cuffs, but something seems off with the whole look. Also, I find it interesting to note Charles’s coats. His coats could certainly use a good tailor, especially in 2012. I was surprised to see that they did not seem to coordinate most of their looks.
Are we sure those fur hats are fake fur? To me, the fur looks real. As somehow who isn’t against real fur, I am curious.
I adore the hat from 2006! It’s my number one on ‘’repeat wish list’’ for Camilla.
About the 2017 hat. I see you have it listed under red hats, but every single photo I’ve been able to find, and on three different devices it (and the coat) always look magenta to me. It’s basically the colour of Deutsche Telekom and I’m inundated with it daily.
Am I going colour blind?
To me it looks like this coat Catherine wore in New York
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Wait, do you guys categorize magenta under red? Where I’m from magenta clothing is under the pink umbrella, some darker shades might go under purple, but never red.
At the time, I confirmed it was red (even though it photographed in many photos as a deep pink). I was told the photo below best shows its true colour- until we see it again and can confirm, for certain, I’m going to leave it classified as red.
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Wow! What a tough call here! First of all, I think it’s a magnificent coat, whether it’s red or magenta! Here’s some pics from later in the season – February of 2018, and it sure looks magenta (or red) to me. Just sayin’. Here’s to fence straddling on a Friday night!
PS: Maja, I looked up “Deutsche Telekom” – you may have something here! Cheers.
February 7, 2018
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2006 and 2015 rank as my favorites because they were excellent hats and styled so well with their respective outfits.
2005 seemed a bit too spring-like for Christmas IMO, although I really like this hat (would actually be a great Easter hat). 2007 was among the worst of this group because that hat is completely at odds with this purple outfit (which I never knew had been paired with another hat before this post); 2012 is that hat I assumed always went with this outfit, and I still love it because of the vibrant color for Camilla. 2010 was my least favorite because I think this is one hat Camilla doesn’t look great in, and the outfit was messy.
The rest were fine outfits, generally well-coordinated, but like JamesB said fewer Paddington outings would be appreciated, at least for Christmas! Curious as to what we’ll see this year.
I like seeing the way her style has changed over time, but I confess that my favorites are 2008, 2009, and 2017. She is always lovely.
2008 and 2012 are winners for me! I like the exuberance of 2006, though I can’t help but think of whoever was sitting next to her 😀
This was a fun post to read tonight! Thank you Hat Queen! I’m looking forward to this series continuing!
Jimbo, thank you for putting up the full ensemble. It really adds some nice context. I agree in your choice of 2006. It is pure fun.
I really like the hats in 2011-2013. The flat crown really flatters the Duchess, although I appreciate all of her fearless looks. She really has great confidence and flair in her hat choices. My all time favorite is the 2012 purple. The color is fantastic on her and so festive.
I so enjoyed this post! I have always admired Camilla for wearing her hats, vs.having her hats wear her. Loved seeing the progression of her style!
Every time I do these retrospectives, there are always a few surprises (even with hats that are familiar!).
HQ, I hope you don’t mind, but I thought that seeing the full ensemble pictures of the earlier years would help, in order to properly judge the wheat from the chaff. After doing that, my vote goes to 2006, even though brown is not my favorite Yuletide color. Enjoy.
2005-2009
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2010, 2011, 2012 (same coat as 2007), 2015, 2016
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Of course! Seeing the whole hat does but the hat into context. I thought about doing the same this morning, prepping this post… but alas, time did not permit. So thank you!
this blue hat is my favorite of all! HATE both fur hats! Too big for her!
The Duchess of Cornwall is a terrific hat wearer. A good variety of shapes, statement hats .. she is quite fearless in her choices!
2015-16….wonderful. I do feel black is not a good choice for
Christmas Day…but that hat is so nice.
I rather like the slouchy look of 2011 and 2017, as being a style I would favour myself for midwinter, but I also miss the more flamboyant styles from Camilla’s earlier years.
I miss the exuberance of her earlier years. That leopard print beret is fabulous, and so well
Styled. Camilla’s hats did tend towards the more theatrical at the start of her royal life, and I’d like to see a bit of that back. And fewer Paddington outings please!
Agreed on both points, JamesB!
I must admit I do prefer the more subtle approach from 2011 onwards. Flat crown designs 2012 onwards, Black felt upsweep 2015 onwards. I do appreciate the earlier statement hats, but less is more!
2005 and 2008 are my definite favorites, though 2017 looks great on her as well.