Queen Elizabeth stepped outside Buckingham Palace today, joined by the Earl of Wessex, to officially launch the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay for the XXII Commonwealth Games.
For this event, she repeated her orange fabric covered hat with sideswept brim and crown that flares at the top. The hat is trimmed with orange magnolia blossoms, twigs and chocolate sinamay leaves.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
No one wears vibrant colours like Her Majesty and this one feels perfect for the start of fall here in the Northern Hemisphere. The minimalist trim gives just the right amount of contrast and while we’ve talked in the past about it being a little ‘twiggy’ I appreciate how it stands out as a modern statement against all the other bows and flowers we see on hats. And when you see the whole ensemble, with that hit of turquoise peeking out from the dress, it all works.
Designer: Angela Kelly. Made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: Mar 7, 2019; Mar 20, 2018, Dec 25, 2017
What do you think of this hat today on its fourth outing?
Images from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I’m so happy to see this hat out again, and for the first time when it feels most seasonally appropriate haha. I adore this shade of orange and the soft sweep of the brim is back after looking a bit flat during its previous outing. Nothing but love from me for this, especially to see HM smiling!
I think it’s a good look, and the colour is so vibrant it’s perfect for an occasion when there are crowds trying to see her from a distance. I too think the rather modern looking trim on the hat (it looks slightly Japanesey to me) is a good look and adds much-appreciated variety to the Queen’s choices.
I’m also not a huge fan of flame orange, but I do love this hat. The trim is unusual and not as extravagant as the usual posy of flowers on the brim – less is sometimes more.
This 4th outing is just as pleasing as its first outing. So autumnal and beautiful.
HM was also photo’d today, wearing a dress that has not been seen without its matching coat and hat.
October 7, 2021 – – – flashback to July 1, 2021
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Since I’m not an orange fan, this will never be one of my favorites, but I can appreciate how seasonally appropriate it is. It’s true that the minimalist trim is a nice break from the flowers and froufrou. It’s good to see HM still working the event like the pro that she is. Gosh, she looks so tiny, though!
This hat is pleasing in its balance and simplicity. I do like this shape on HM as opposed to the very high slanted crowns. Fabulous detail on the coat. Some of these older outfits seem to hang a little loosely on HM.
But still her beautiful smile.