118 years to this gem of a hat, worn by Queen Alexandra in 1903. It looks to be a pyramid of stacked lace applique orchids. Fantastic, isn’t it?!
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Royal Hats
The Bold, Beautiful and Bizarre World of Royal Millinery
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Years ago when I was young they used to sell Alexandra roses on street corners for Alexandra Rose day ( like selling poppies on a tray !!) They were pale pink and so prettyn… I wonder if they still do it 😐 I’ve been away from England for many years but remember the thrill I had when I saw the first ones come out – it was quite the fashion accessory for us children after the war ! 😕
I just Googled it and discovered the Charities are still going strong ! 😁 how wonderful that they are, after all these years … she really was a lovely lady wasn’t she ? 😇
I found two colorized versions of this outfit, and they appear different. We may never know the true colors.
I’m crossing my fingers that the link is legal.
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It’s quite an amazing hat and looks as if it’s been built around her hair.
What does strike me is the uncanny resemblance, particularly the eyes, between Queen Alexandra and Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince Michael & Princess Michael of Kent. By my reckoning she’d be Lord Frederick’s great-great grandmother.
I once saw an article comparing photos of current British royals with those of ancestors many generations past, and there are quite a few such resemblances. If I can find the article again, I will post the link here.
Thanks so much Matthew – fingers crossed!
There’s also a slight resemblance between William and Lord Frederick. A huge resemblance between William and Charlotte and Charlotte could also be Sarah Chatto’s double. Beatrice bears more than a passing resemblance to Victoria and also to QEII, although it’s more the way she stand and sits etc. Eugenie is just like the Queen Mother.
It’s fascinating to see how physical characteristics come down the generations.
This is the article I was referring to:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1222921/The-throne-clones-How-Royal-Family-inherited-just-titles.html
The comparison between Beatrice and Queen Victoria is one of the likenesses pictured. Some of the pairs are a stretch, but in some cases, the likenesses are uncanny.
There is also this famous photograph from 1980 that I am sure most everyone has seen of the Queen Mother with her two daughters:
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw08496/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Queen-Elizabeth-the-Queen-Mother-Princess-Margaret
When I first saw that photograph, I remember being struck by the extent to which Princess Anne resembles her aunt Princess Margaret a lot more than her mother.
Matthew, Thanks so much for this. It’s a very interesting read. I don’t think George VI had very large ears and Charles has much larger ears than poor Edward! There are some pictures of Prince Philip as a 13 year old and Prince Harry looks just like him.
With the curls in Queen Alexandra’s hair the hat looks like an extension of her hair! Shanon, I think an exhibition of these two ladies hats would be wonderful!
I think I’ve discovered my ambition… ‘James wore a pyramide of towering orchids a’la Reine Alexandra’
After that, I may die happy.
Will you wear it with a ruffled boa too?
A day after reading this comment, I’m still smiling!
That is just gorgeous! I wonder if it was all white, or a soft color? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they displayed these gorgeous hats from Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary? That would be an extraordinary exhibit.
It would! I wonder if they were kept, along with the dresses?
The worst thing about these old photos is we can’t see them in their original colourful glory. I imagine the orchids would have had at least some touches of colour, to look realistic, don’t you think?
I’ve always wondered that about Royal clothes and hats. They must be stored somewhere, and I wonder why the Royal Collection Trust hasn’t displayed them (maybe they have and I’m unaware). I do think there has to be spots of color in the orchids – yellows, pinks. It would be glorious to see it in color.
You and me both!!!! Can you imagine what a glorious sight it would be to have these gowns and hats displayed? Such a fabulous historical opportunity.
I’m not sure I agree that they must have been stored somewhere. (With the exception of major items such as wedding gowns, dresses worn for state dinners and coronations, etc.) Today (not counting Covid), many people can easily and affordably travel from far and wide to see such an exhibition, and the photographs can be posted online for all the world to see. In the days before these conveniences, I’m not sure there would have been a purpose in saving ordinary day dresses or hats once they went out of style or had been worn too many times. I’m wondering if perhaps they were given away to friends, relatives, or loyal members of the staff.