Over the summer, we saw a handful of wonderful new royal hats make their debut for Ascot, a royal investiture (and family wedding!) and a national day celebration. During times when any sight of a royal hat has been scarce, new designs to admire has been particularly welcome.
We’re now taking a look back at these beauties and choose winner to move forward in our end of year contest for Favourite New Royal Hat of 2020.
Please click on each caption link to jump to original feature posts with additional views, information and discussion on each hat. Here are the new hats we saw in June, July and August, shown in the order they were worn:
1.
2.
Zara Tindall’s navy straw beret percher with cascade of flowers by Juliette Botterill for the first day of Ascot, June 16
Queen Elizabeth’s pale aqua hat with feathers and straw rolled pink roses by Angela Kelly worn on July 17
2.Zara Tindall’s navy straw beret percher with cascade of flowers by Juliette Botterill for the first day of Ascot, June 16
Queen Elizabeth’s pale aqua hat with feathers and straw rolled pink roses by Angela Kelly worn on July 17
3.
4.
Queen Mathilde in a classic natural straw hat with wide, drop-edge brim by Fabienne Delvigne worn July 21
Queen Mathilde’s fuchsia headpiece trimmed in a ruffle of pleated silk abaca by Fabienne Delvigne worn July 21
4.Queen Mathilde in a classic natural straw hat with wide, drop-edge brim by Fabienne Delvigne worn July 21
Queen Mathilde’s fuchsia headpiece trimmed in a ruffle of pleated silk abaca by Fabienne Delvigne worn July 21
5.
Princess Astrid’s textured black straw Garbo hat with bow worn for National Day on July 21
Princess Astrid’s textured black straw Garbo hat with bow worn for National Day on July 21
This poll will remain open until next Thursday, October 29 at midnight GMT. As usual for these polls, each computer or mobile device can vote twice per day for as many hats as you wish. Happy voting!
Photos from Mike Tindall; Chris Jackson, Olivier Matthys, Patrick van Katwijk and Patrick van Katwijk/BSR Agency via Getty
Royal Hats 
HQ, Why wasn’t Princess Elisabeth’s bandeau from National Day included?
I don’t include young royals in polls until they are full time working royals or confidently into their 20s. I can only imagine the many, complex pressures of being a young woman growing up in a royal family (or is it a fishbowl?) and don’t want to add any more.
I wondered that too – but fantastic call. I sometimes check myself when saying things to remember that real people wear (and make!) these creations, and how would I feel. Let alone being 18 and having that sort of criticism. Another reason why this is such a lovely corner of the internet.
You always think things through so well! Of course, that is the right decision!!
I don’t… but thank you for the encouragement! My goal here is to do the ‘right’ thing but exactly what that is, is not always clear.
Absolutely! Hats off, to you, Hat Queen, for kindness in action. We all need more of that.
(Though, actually, perhaps I should say ´Hats on!´)
Zara is tops – great shape, color, position, smile!