Thanks to reader Jimbo for providing the introduction and background research for “Multiples” posts on Queen Elizabeth.
Jimbo’s Introduction: Queen Elizabeth toured Kenya in November of 1983, and while in Nairobi, wore a wonderful deep coral bowler hat, which went beautifully with her coral patterned suit. Two years later, in October of 1985, while in the Bahamas, the hat was repeated with a pale yellow patterned dress – lightweight and long sleeved, perfect for the warm tropical climate.
Look #1: With a patterned coral shirtwaist dress worn in Brisbane on October 7, 1982, in Kenya on November 10, 1983, in Mexico on February 17, 1983 and at the Royal Welsh Show on July 21, 1983
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Look #2: With a pale yellow floral patterned silk dress worn in the Bahamas on October 14, 1985
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Which ensemble do you prefer most with this hat?!
Images from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Perhaps this earlier dated photo was the premier outing with the intended matching outfit:
October 7, 1982: Brisbane, Australia
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Oof. Comparing it to a squashed Laduree strawberry macaron is far too nice. Definitely a contender for one of the Queen’s least flattering hats. It’s poorly sized/proportioned, and the flowers and netting look out of place on such a masculine hat. I need a palate cleanser, perhaps something over-the-top with ostrich feathers. Or other macarons.
I discovered 2 other hat outings and 2 non-hat outings of the outfit for historical reference.
February 17, 1983: Mexico
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July 21, 1983: Royal Welsh Show (B/W)
https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/queen-elizabeth-july-21-1983?family=editorial&phrase=queen%20elizabeth%20july%2021%201983&sort=mostpopular
June 7, 1984: Guard Polo Club (hatless)
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July 28, 1985: more polo with Charles
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July 28, 1985: more polo
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I think the first one is better – the hat doesn’t seem to relate to the dress in the second outfit, it just dominates it.
This is probably my least favorite style of hat on anyone,
Not HM’s best look, of course, but thanks for this post!
I agree with you and James B that this is among my least favourite of fashion eras for the Queen… but it’s interesting to look back at nonetheless!
This is deep in my least favourite style era of HM’s, where I just find her wardrobe a bit too ageing (she was only in her mid 50s – although the overuse of face powder at this time didn’t help…) I think the hat’s to be a bit on the twee side, but it’s better with the first outfit, the second doesn’t look as cohesive.
I thought a Breton hat was a wider brimmed style with the brim upturned all the way round? As ever though, I bow to your superior knowledge!
I’ve had a closer look at this hat… I think you’re all right. It’s much more of a bowler than a Breton and I’ve updated Jimbo’s intro accordingly. Bretons are indeed, upturned all the way around.
And yes- I’ll add it to our glossary, soon!
Haha. I only know this as I have a book from the 70s called ‘The Queen’s Clothes’ which has loads of pics of her labelled as Breton hats. If you’ve not got it, there’s usually copies hanging around on eBay, it’s worth having, there’s some corkers in there!
I like it better with the first suit. However, I don’t really like the hat. To me, it looks like it is a little too small for her.
I agree with both of your points. Plus, the flowers on the right side are too much – too big and too many – and make the hat too unbalanced.
I think I like this hat better with the first outfit. The color of the suit looks wonderful with the hat. The color of the hat seems to overpower the delicate shade of yellow in the second outfit. I do like the size and shape of the hat for HM’s face. She should wear more Bretons style hats!
I looked up the glossary of hats but there is no Breton there… please can you tell us, HatQueen, what makes a Breton?