I need to step away from Royal Hats for a few weeks. After making a remarkable recovery from a health crisis and several surgeries, my mother unexpectedly passed away yesterday. She was incredibly touched by your well wishes for her recovery- after all we hear that is negative on the internet, she was amazed that strangers from around the world took the time to write her a message of encouragement. She was also absolutely delighted with the nickname you gave her- Hat Queen Mother – and would issue me a royal wave whenever she felt particularly regal (daily, it seemed!), citing her new title as justification to do so. This new moniker gave her great joy over the last few weeks and for this, I thank you so very much.
My mom was a talented amateur seamstress and I grew up at the foot of her sewing machine. I can identify fabric types, interesting construction details (and shoddy workmanship!) thanks to her tutelage and while she never commented here, her voice was woven into our conversations simply because it’s ingrained in my own perspective. She checked Royal Hats each morning, gently scolded when there was not a new post (or a feature of a hat she didn’t think warranted one!) and looked forward to Ascot more than anyone. She was my biggest fan and I can’t express how much I will miss her.
Over the coming days, I’ll post open posts for you to comment on (and share any hats that make an appearance) while I’m away. See you in a few weeks. And thank you.
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Sincere condolences to you, Hat Queen. My thoughts are with you.
So very sad to hear your new HatQueen. Losing your mother is the most awful loss… Love and prayers, Barbara
I’m so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.
Dear HatQueen, I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. Take all the time you need to grieve well. We’ll be here whenever you decide is the right time to come back.
I’m so sorry, HatQueen. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to our HQM. How wonderful that you shared this enthusiasm!
Praying for your comfort and healing,
So very sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a parent. I lost my father around this time a few years ago. Be kind to yourself and know that we are all sending you lots of love and support!
This is truly a message to express the life of a wonderful woman. When one is lost it makes s void that is not replaced. May you find comfort in your memories and much love!
So sorry to hear this news. Sending my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Thinking of you, take care Hx
My deepest sympathies. I’ll keep and your mum in my thoughts and prayers. what lovely memories you must have of your mother. Take care of yourself at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
I’m so terribly sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family, Hat Queen. What a sad loss.
so very sorry. we are here for you.
So glad your many devoted followers brought your dear mother joy in her final days. Please know that many of us are offering up prayers that you have God’s peace “that passeth understanding.”
So sorry for your loss… Will be thinking of you and missing you while you are gone, but I totally understand the need to step away for a bit. ❤
My deepest sympathies to you. And a deep regal curtesy goodbye to your beloved mother.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May you find consolation and peace in the many happy memories you carry of your mother.
I’m so very sorry to hear your mother passed away. She sounds like a lovely person and you will miss her forever. Please accept my condolences and thanks for thinking of us at this hard time. My love and thoughts to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
my sincere condolences my dear !!!
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother, our very own HatQueen Mother. I lost my mother last September and I understand the grief and shock of a sudden passing, even if they’ve been ill for awhile. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take the time to do what needs to be done; we’ll be here waiting for you whenever you’re ready to return. Thank you and your mom for a wonderful blog that I read every day and lifts my spirits immensely. God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
I am so sorry about you losing your mother …that is one of the hardest to endure.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it is to loose one’s mother. I really enjoy the site.
I’m so sorry. Love to you and your family.
Those who love us leave the largest footprint in our hearts and on our minds and so your delightful Hat Queen Mother will always be with you. I send you from New South Wales, Australia, my very warmest wishes that you will be surrounded by loved ones and take comfort from them in this sad time.
I enjoy your royalhats so very much particularly the historic hats and those amazing works of art in the weekly extras. Thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please, take care during this sad time and peace for you.
I am so very sorry, Hat Queen, for the loss of your dear mother. I hope your cherished memories of her bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family x
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss, Hat Queen. Saying farewell to our mothers is profound. May you be well nurtured and supported.
Dear Hat Queen, may your memories of your beloved Hat Queen Mother bring you comfort in your time of sorrow. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
I will be thinking of you, HQ. Please take of yourself!
Hello Royal Hats,
I am sending my condolences for the loss of your beloved Mother, Hat Queen Mother. It sounds like your wonderful blog have her such happiness. Growing up around. Notions Department is very special. Learning about bias tape, Rick rack, variegated thread, patterns etc. is a fond memory for me also. Hold tight to your dear memories and take comfort knowing the happiness you have your Mother.
Thank you for this marvelous blog. I learn so much from your effort.
Please take care of yourself during this time of loss and grief.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Michelle
Very sincere condolences. She sounds like a wonderful person. I hope your grief eases soon.
Sincere condolences, please take care of yourself.
Such tragic news and I’m so sorry for your loss HatQueen. Please take all the time you need; we will be here when you return. I am beyond grateful for this space you and HatQueen Mother have created. Prayers, thoughts, and blessings for you.
Thank you for everything that you have done on this blog and I am so sorry about your mother’s passing— best wishes to you and your family.
I’m so sorry and wish you all the support that you need on this difficult path. Take your time and everything you need now.
I was so sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. I hope you will find some comfort in the many memories you have of her.
So sad news, my sincere condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take care during this sad time.
Almighty God comfort and keep you and your family in this most unhappy time and may He rest her soul. It is indeed comforting to know that she has bequeathed such wonderful memories, lessons, even a legacy to you. My prayers are with you.
Thank you for this beautiful blog. God save the Queen.
My sincere condolences HatQueen, on the loss of your mother. She sounds like a talented, interesting and lovable lady. May sweet memories of her be forever with you. Wishing you strength for the weeks to come.
Hat Queen, please accept my condolences from 2500 miles away! HQM must have been a remarkable person, and you are testament to that!
We all send prayers, thoughts, and love your way, now and in the weeks to come. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
I’m very sorry for the loss of your dear Hat Queen Mother. Your tribute to her is just lovely. Since being remembered with love is heavenly, I know that’s where she is, no doubt wearing the most beautifully, impeccably made hat and coat.
I will echo others who have urged you to take as much time as you need before returning. Your mother sounds like a delight and I wish you the comfort of those memories.
Condolences to you. Your Mother’s love will live with you always.
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing Hat Queen! Please take all the time you need and know that you enrich our lives and we will be here when you are able to return!
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, who sounds like such a remarkable lady. Your blog is an everlasting testament to her and the values she instilled in you. I pray for comfort and strength for you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing peace and love to Queen Hat Mother.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my mother last year and know what a huge loss it is. Thank you for providing such a wonderful blog. Royal Hats always makes me smile and lifts my spirits. Thinking of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace and comfort with your loved ones and take the time to grieve. My thoughts are with you, be kind to yourself in this moment.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother last April. Although it leads a void in your life that cannot be filled, you can smile when you remember her and how she was your biggest fan.
Peace to you. Your sadness and grief need time to heal.
Sincere condolences to you, Hat Queen, on this very great loss.