The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the VJ Day National Remembrance service held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this morning. For the event, the Duchess repeated her oyster straw picture hat with large ostrich feather wrapped around the crown.
The neutral palate of her ensemble fit well with today’s outdoor service. The hat’s shape is a familiar one for Camilla- she carries it so well- and there was something calm and serene (even with those feathers blowing in the breeze!) about the look that fit the memorial event very well.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: May 15, 2018; June 11, 2016; June 19, 2015; June 28, 2012; September 10, 2011; July 28, 2009; July 16, 2009; May 12, 2009; July 7, 2006; July 1, 2006; June 19, 2006
The memorial itself was incredibly moving- the outdoor setting, the personal reflections and the beautiful music. BBC reporters interviewed some veterans and other survivors of WWII and their family members as they arrived and the stories shared were compelling to say the least. 75 years has not dulled the emotional impact of what was personally experienced during WWII or lessened the memory of those who were lost. If you’re able to find a repeat of the service, do watch it.
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I agree that she wears these large hats very well: they’re dramatic without being over-exaggerated and always in proportion with the rest of her look which was particularly well judged here given that the PoW also wore beige.
Marvelous photos of Charles and Camilla, and thanks to Jake for the photos of the Emperor and Empress of Japan as well. All were perfectly and respectfully attired for this important remembrance, and both of the royal women’s hats were ideally chosen. 12 outings for Camilla’s hat, and it looks as great as ever.
Is anyone able to enumerate the various medals Prince Charles is wearing? I assume they relate to his actual and honorary military positions?
I’m surprised it’s been over 2 years since we last saw this hat; likes JamesB said, it still looks amazing after 14 years. Despite there still being a lot of beige, the patterned dress helps to break it up; if we can’t get Camilla in color, at least moves like this help! Sedate and appropriate for the occasion and season, and I think her best hatted look so far during the pandemic.
Also, the Emperor and Empress of Japan attended a ceremony of remembrance for this anniversary as well:
Embed from Getty Images
There was also a small bow on the back of the hat: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/japanese-emperor-naruhito-accompanied-by-empress-masako-news-photo/1228050579 (unfortunately that photo could not be embedded).
Oops, guess I was a bit preemptive in posting about Masako’s hat here. Sorry HatQueen!
The second photo posted above was from 2019- the Empress wore the same hat both years but this year, she and the Emperor wore a face mask for the entire event.
Ah, that makes so much more sense. I saw photos without masks and was so confused why they took them off at certain times during the ceremony. Clearly I was not functioning or paying attention very well this weekend. Again, apologies.
It is so pleasing to have a royal hat wearer who can carry off such substantial hats. They suit Camilla so well. And I do think this scale of hat adds something to the formality of the occasion that is particularly suitable when she wears it to an event like this, it’s like an acknowledgement of the store they set by it.
This is such a fantastic look. Very formal but also appropriate and calm. I love the edging on the coat and the glimpse of the dress underneath. And of course the hat is very her.
This hat has been so well looked after! It still looks immaculate.
I thought Camilla looked fabulous today, so polished and appropriate. I love that this hat, which a lot of people would think ‘a lot of look’ is one of her absolute workhorses. She’s such a fantastic hat wearer isn’t she.
I agree entirely that this neutral outfit suited the occasion very well. The movement of the feather tendrils was lovely.