to May 21, 1991 and proof that the Dutch and Belgian queens are not the first monarch to experiment with open-crowned hats.
Photo from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats
The Bold, Beautiful and Bizarre World of Royal Millinery
to May 21, 1991 and proof that the Dutch and Belgian queens are not the first monarch to experiment with open-crowned hats.
Photo from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Enjoy a brief video of this visit, including a comment on her hat by a young girl at the end.
Thanks, Jimbo — so fun, and the little girl’s comment was right on the mark.
MrFitzoy dislikes the fact that his first thought was that it looked like a cored cross section from a giant pineapple. Yet somehow, it almost actually works with that particular dress. It would be interesting to see it from a more flattering angle, assuming there is one.
I had a “that reminds me of something but I can’t figure out what” moment when I saw the picture. Now I know what “something” is – a pineapple. Thank you!
Like others said, the weaving and materials certainly had to be high quality and there have been worse open crown hats, but specifically on HM this one makes me go:
It reminds me of this one from seven years earlier, repeated last year at the Kent wedding. I like HM’s better.
Embed from Getty Images
Since this was more worn lower on the forehead it was definitely a sweatband look to me.
MittenMary — great find! MrFitzroy particularly likes the papakha hat worn by Viscount Linley in that photo…..
Thanks, MrFitzroy, but as usual, that was HQ’s find. Papakha hat – hah! The ‘80s were unkind to many of us.
Not a fan here. It looks like a glorified sweat band, or a head bandage.
I know Margaret’s “hat” below doesn’t really count, but it’s fun to add to the conversation.
October 1, 1978: Tuvalu
Embed from Getty Images
I’m assuming that headpiece was presented to her as part of the ceremony, but honestly it doesn’t look any sillier than some of the other heavily flowered hats we’ve seen on royals over the decades.
Though I rarely care for open-crowned hats aa a style, I do have to say that from a materials standpoint, I do like that woven effect.
I think it’s fair to say this was not a successful experiment… evidenced by the fact that it didn’t really catch on for HM!
Maybe not a successful experiment, but perhaps it inspired others? I just realized that we’ve opened and closed this week with open crowned yellow hats on two queens!