King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima embarked on a Caribbean visit over the weekend, accompanied for the first time by Princess Amalia. For the first stop of the tour in Bonaire on Saturday, Queen Máxima epeated her circular open-crowned headpiece in draped caramel brown abaca.
I’ve come around to these open-crowned designs, particularly as a great less formal events held on tour in a tropical climate. This particular design pairs well with the dress, adding a neutral grounding that slightly softens the impact of the coral print.
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Zimmerman.
Previously Worn: May 10, 2022; Mar 12, 2020; July 7, 2015; April 26, 2014
Yesterday in Aruba was a double hat day for Queen Máxima! The first was her fuchsia straw picture hat with sharply sidesweeping ‘slice’ brim. This design is trimmed with a darker pink Petersham ribbon hatband looped into a bow on the side.
It’s bright and vibrant, well suited to a Caribbean tour.
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: Aug 31, 2019; July 3, 2016; April 13, 2016; April 27, 2015
The second hat of the day was her textured brown straw bandeau headpiece trimmed with coffee hued silk roses.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
It’s another great neutral piece that with the flower providing just enough statement.
Designer: unknown. Dress by Natan.
Previously Worn: Sep 9, 2022; Jun 29, 2022; Mar 10, 2020
For events today in Aruba, Queen Máxima repeated a sculptural calot headpiece in pale pinky-beige ruched silk abaca studded with tiny beads.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
While I always love a picture hat with this dress, I do understand the ease and appeal of a smaller headpiece on a tropical tour, and this fits the bill.
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Natan
Previously Worn: Sep 15, 2017; Nov 3, 2016; Oct 25, 2015; Apr 2, 2014
What do your think of Queen Máxima’s tropical tour hats so far?
Images from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I think this is perhaps the best look for this berry-colored slice hat yet! Even though it is quite a monochromatic look, that gorgeous brooch and her bare arms help break up the color a bit, and she just looks so regal.
The bandeau is a nice choice that makes sense for the climate and more casual feel of the islands, while still retaining a royal visit vibe.
The other two hats are very typical of what she often wears at least once on every one of these Caribbean trips; I understand their lightness and smaller size is usually better for these visits, but I just can’t get over their more messy construction, not to mention the colors blending in with her hair so much. The pale pink, yellow, and blue dress had a different hat paired with it in the past (one of my all-time favorites for Máxima!), and I would’ve love to see that one again: https://royalhats.net/2013/11/13/dutch-royals-kick-off-caribbean-visit/
Despite my issues, it looks like they’re having a wonderful visit, and it’s great to see Amalia along for the ride this time; I hope she is able to enjoy the visit even while surely learning a lot along the way.
The fuschia hat was definitely the winner for me too, lovely. I can see how in these windy islands, a head hugger might be easier to manage though. The brown floral headband style came second.
The neutral shaded draped hats are not winning me round. They don’t stand out from Maxima’s blonde hair enough for me. It’s like she feels the need for a hat, but wants to hide it.
I loved the ice cream striped dress, but the hat was the worst. In some shots it also disappeared into her hair and in others it looked like she’d popped her long gloves on her head for safe-keeping.
With the economy on the downturn and many people hurting financially I see the need for Maxima and Amalia to be careful with their clothes budget, but I hope we see some new hats, still. These are all good repeats for the Caribbean tour. The fuschia hat is a definite winner as Maximan in a picture hat is always good. I think these open hats are growing on me, too! They look good from the front and are nice and cool to wear in hot, humid weather!
The Fushia straw hat for the win here, it looks fabulous.