With many of us facing Christmases separated from family and friends, we need all the cheer we can get. So this week’s question, dearest readers, is a light hearted one- which royal hats can you recall with the largest twist(s)?
I’ve kicked things off above with Princess Marie Chantal of Greece in a Philip Treacy design. Now it’s your turn!
Photo from Getty as indicated
With news yesterday that the British royal family will celebrate Christmas Day privately, in small groups, and not make any public appearances (as to not draw a crowd), we won’t be seeing any December 25 hats this year. So instead, let’s look back at hats worn for Christmas past, beginning today with Princess Beatrice:
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Velvet hats in jewel tones for Christmases 1994 through 2001
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Electric blue Philip Treacy percher with feather flower in 2002; Black trilby in 2003 and 2004
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Purple felt Philip Treacy cloche in 2005; Ecru percher with bow and feathers in 2006: Repeated blue percher in 2007
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Grey beret percher with bow in 2008; Taupe felt Whitely beret with blue sequins in 2009;
Black percher with bow and white rose in 2010
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Black felt button percher with flying bow by Rachel Black in 2011; Black Rosie Olivia beret with folded bow in 2012;
Black Nerida Fraiman button percher with blue flower in 2013
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Repeat of the 2011 Rachel Black percher in 2014; Black velvet beaded pillbox by Juliette Botterill in 2015;
Black and white houndstooth headpiece with red silk rose by Juliette Botterill in 2016
Juliette Botterill ryal blue percher with roses and bow in 2017; Navy felt fedora in 2018;
Emerald knotted bandeau headpiece by Juliette Botterill in 2019
It’s an eclectic mix that, unsurprisingly, closely follows millinery style trends. While have soft spots for the taupe beret in 2009 and the black button with fantastic blue flower in 2013, I think she’s really hit her stride with recent designs by Juliette Botterill- especially the stunning royal blue rose trimmed design in 2017. I can’t think of a shade of blue that suits her better.
What do you notice about this evolution of Christmas hats on Princess Beatrice? Which designs stand out most to you?
Photos by Chris Jackson, Paul Ellis / AFP and UK Press Pool/UK Press via Getty
Note- some technical glitches with this post sent it into cyberspace where many of you could not find it. As such, I’ve reposted it here and will reopen its poll until next Tuesday, December 8.
The months of September and October saw several wonderful new royal hats make their debut. Based on your comments, these bandeau, saucer, pillbox, fedora, upsweep, bowler and beret styles all had something to admire.
We’re now taking a look back at these designs with a purpose of choosing one to move forward 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 hats you most admired in September and October, shown in the order they were worn:
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55 years to this day in 1965. Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, in a silk turban, en route to a Christmas party for Monaco security forces accompanied by Prince Albert in the uniform of a Monegasque gendarme.
Photo from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 