Numerous heads of state gathered in Auschwitz, Poland yesterday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz
Queen Mathilde repeated a black felt fedora variation with relaxed brim, trimmed with a felt hatband tied in a side bow.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: November 11, 2018
Queen Máxima wore an black felt formed beret trimmed with a scrolled frog braid. The elegantly restrained design felt particularly fitting for this event. King Willem-Alexander wore a traditional Jewish kippah in gold embroidered blue velvet.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Designer: Philip Treacy. It is OC 665 from AW 2019
Previously Worn: This hat is new
Queen Letizia wore a bandeau headpiece in black velvet.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new
The Duchess of Cornwall repeated her black wool hat with ruched crown and faux-fur cuffed brim.
Designer: Lock and Co. “Natalia” design in black
Previously Worn: Dec 14, 2017; Mar 18, 2017; Feb 27, 2017; Dec 16, 2017; Nov 28, 2016; Mar 16, 2016; Mar 18, 2015; Mar 13, 2015; Dec 10, 2013; Feb 7, 2012; Feb 6, 2012; Jan 27, 2012
At such sobering events, fashion feels trivial and irrelevant and I struggled over covering this event. The only thing I want to say is that these four, restrained hats each feels a fitting choice for a memorial like this where the story really should not be about a hat.
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
All the ladies looked decent for this event. I wish we will not have like this tragedy in the future and may peace be with people around the world. I have a question: is the lady who was sitting in the middle the First Lady of Poland?
Thank you for covering the event. I had read separately of a survivor planning to attend the event and had not otherwise seen coverage. Hats are a statement and expression, and appropriate ones are statements of respect and attention. It is important to see that respect given. Particularly appreciated King Willem-Alexander wearing the kippah.
He wears it well, doesn’t he?
Agreed, great choices all around for a significant anniversary. Thanks for covering this event HatQueen; the balance of fashion/style with significant events can be tricky, but in my opinion, choosing to cover it (even for a hat blog) demonstrates its importance and brings it more exposure, especially as we become farther removed from it in time and face the possibility of people forgetting and not even knowing about it.
In commenting purely on the hats, I will say I think Máxima’s looks a bit small for her head, especially when seeing it on the model; otherwise it’s a good new hat for her. Finally, I’m a bit surprised Letizia chose to wear something at all, but it was a perfect choice.
I second what you stated Jake. I agree that the covering of this sombre event allows others to see it’s importance and won’t let us forget. So thank you HQ for sharing these photos with us. The fact that 3 Kings and 3 Queens attended shows how immensely important an event this was.
King Willem-Alexander looked wonderful in his traditional Jewish Kippah, and I’m impressed that Queen Letizia wore a hatband. Very appropriate choices.
This is my first post on a website I have followed for some time and which I congratulate for the high standard of its content and photos: I am learning a lot regarding both the technical aspects behind hat design and fabrication and also how a hat complements a total look.
Although it’s obviously subjective, I think what you wear does make a statement – particularly for public figures – and I’m sure the members of royalty (and their advisers) who attended this event gave it much thought. So, in my view, It follows that, you, HQ are entirely right to review the pieces chosen given the role they played in showing respect at this ceremony.
All the hats featured appear elegant and appropriate although Q Mathilde’s seems overly large with a less flattering profile as highlighted in the group shot in the first photo.
Thanks, Christopher. It’s great to have you join in this hat-loving conversation.
This looks to have been an incredibly moving event. It does seem odd to look at these touching photos and then talk about the HATS, but all of us here understand that no disrespect is intended. I agree with your assessment, HQ. These lovely hats are all dignified and entirely appropriate.
well done..
we shall never forget
Your last paragraph says it all, HatQueen. This must be one of the hardest royal duties, and I’m impressed by solemnity even the most effervescent royals bring to the occasion.
Thank you for this post, HatQueen. Millinery is certainly not the issue of this event, yet we can experience the absurdity of life that combines deep sorrow with the importance of appropiate attire. I’m impressed by this participation of international royalty and I agree that their choice of hats is very tasteful throughout.