President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova arrived in Oslo on Monday for a short state visit.
For this welcome, Queen Sonja vibrantly contrasted against the military uniforms and caps worn by King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon. Her fuchsia felt pillbox looks to be trimmed with felt petals on the back of the hat’s crown.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Milliner: unknown. Blazer by Rena Lange
Previously Worn: May 27, 2015
Crown Princess Mette-Marit repeated a picture hat in muted pink braid trimmed with a prim bow on the side.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The hat’s construction- straw braid sewn in overlapping rows- gives the design great texture and the brim, presence. It’s a simple design that suits Mette-Marit well. Whatever reason she stopped wearing brimmed hats, it’s lovely to see one on her now.
Milliner: unknown
Previously Worn: May 11, 2023
Thoughts?
Images from Getty and social media as indicated
Royal Hats 
Sonja’s hat is a style that suits her, and overall the outfit is great for a Queen in terms of visibility and occasion. I think Mette Marit’s large hat is great, but the outfit looks thrown together from elements in a wardrobe (dark jacket, pink hat, white skirt, beige shoes…), without any real thought, so I think it could be improved. The hat itself is one that seems to me very adaptable, capable of being more or less formal / dressy depending on the outfit it’s worn with, so a very good piece to have in one’s wardrobe.
What a delightful surprise to see Mette-Marit bring out this hat again a year later. I do prefer her outfit from the last time as this dark navy (or black?) jacket feels a bit harsh in comparison to the rest of the outfit. Overall though she looked great, and as this hat looks to be made from a hemp braid (I have a couple hats made of hemp), it would be much lighter than most hat materials, making it easier on her.
A fairly standard look from Sonja, but this color scheme suits her quite well. It’s great to also see Astrid still showing up despite her limited mobility; I love that patterned dress on her, and there’s definitely some hats that she could rock with it.
Astrid’s dress is gorgeous, isn’t it?! It’s the Paisley Mulberry Silk Dress by Ralph Lauren.
I love the colors of both hats. The pinks make for a lovely contrast to the other suits and uniforms worn. I like Q. Sonja’s suit and cape as an accompaniment to the hat as well. I think the hat looks great on Mette Marit; however, I think the outfit was a bit casual for receiving a sitting president. Glad to see her in a hat though, as opposed to the usual headband!
Gigi, I agree with you on all points except one: as beautiful as Mette-Marit looks, I think her casual hat far surpasses NO hat. She appears quite tall and regal in the group.