This blog started as many other royal fandoms of fashion. After more than a decade and thousands of beautiful hats, I have developed deeper admiration and respect for the talented craftspeople who make them. I wish all could see one of their creations atop a royal head and bask in the accompanying public recognition of their work.
Millinery is, unfortunately, a heritage craft in decline. Incredibly, writing Royal Hats led me to be a founding Ambassador of The British Millinery Association and the organization’s first Education Coordinator. It was an amazing privilege to work for two years with milliners around the world to share traditional millinery skills and techniques and explore new materials and innovations.
Royal Hats is a celebration of wonderful millinery along with the people who create it and wear it. Photos on this blog are all attributed to their source and all text, which is copyrighted, may not be duplicated without explicit written permission.
Comment Policy
All opinions and comments about hats are equally welcome here. Opinions and comments about the real people involved – those both wearing or creating these hats – must remain respectful. Personal attacks on anyone, royal or non-royal, are not acceptable. This includes speculation about a person’s character or level of taste and remarks about body type. There is zero tolerance for all comments that include racist or harassing content. Fun, wit, questions and contrary opinion is most welcome as long as the overall tone remains respectful.
Copyright © 2024 Royal Hats
Royal Hats 
I do not think that it is the right time to have picture of Russian milliners hat on your post
Hello! I love your site. As a keen hat-observer, you might be well-placed to comment on the only bit of hat etiquette that makes my head spin: when to wear what?
I have read that the style expert Genevieve Antoine Dariaux wrote in her 1964 book, that “straw hats may be worn from the first of February until the first of September; velvet from the first of August until the first of February; fur from the first of October until the first of March; felt, tulle and veiling can be worn all year around.”
This seems to me to be a bit counter to our climate in the UK. February and March seem a bit cold for straws, and the first week or two of September may be a bit warm for felt. I’d love to know your observations of the Royal family’s hat choices during these transitional seasons, letting their choices be our guide as to when to make the seasonal change! Thank you!
Long time reader first time commentor! Since The Queen is in Balmoral, how about a retrospective of Tam O Shanter style hats she’s worn, whether in Scotland or not?
I love the “new millinery” post. I look for this on the first or end of each week. You blog is refreshing, fun, and informative! Thank you!
Whenever I take a photo, my phone tells me what I’m taking (green fields, lake, people, etc). When I took a photo of one of Queen Mary’s torques, currently on display at the Fashion Museum, Bath, and posted by another reader, it said, “cat”.
Have to say, AI had a point.
In all seriousness – fabulous exhibition, fabulous museum – take time for a visit. Worth popping in at nearby Gray MCA for an insight into fashion illustration.
Hi. Just discovered your blog through a friend. Looking forward to what next.
Hi friend! Just thought I’d “crow” a bit to someone who will appreciate it – my partner and I have decided to attend Royal Ascot 2016! Time to polish the topper and get everything in order. I’m very excited.
Oops! Forgot to include the link: https://chwolfenbloode.wordpress.com
Hi HQ, thank you for your prompt reply to my suggestion regarding men’s top hats. The link you provided was great and included some wonderful photos of the various royals in toppers. Here is a link to a now-abandoned blog (but thankfully still linkable). The author of this blog includes an amazingly thorough and comprehensive collection of information on top hats, especially info on antique silk top hats. For what it is worth, in the photos on the link you provided from your previous blog posting about top hats I notice that all the royals photographed, except Peter Phillips are wearing old hats. It is easy to pick out Peter’s hat as new as the crown has little to no curve but, more importantly, where the crown meets the top it isn’t as crisp as those old hats covered with silk. From the photos the best example of a fine hat in tip-top condition is the Earl of Wessex – shined to its full luster. Prince Harry always frustrates me as his topper always needs to be polished. Lastly, the Duke of Edinburgh has had his hats since they were new – and now they are nearly 80 years old! You can see the aging of his hats in photos through the years (sort of like his Garter robes and Garter sash). God love him! If you’ll instruct me on how to post a photo (or 2-3) I’ll send you a few from my last visit to Garter and Royal Ascot. Thanks for your great blog!
Hi HatQueen! I’m new to your blog but based on the few times I’ve looked at your posts I’m very impressed – well done! I have a request for a future blog post and that one dedicated to the top hats worn by the male members of the royal family. So far I’ve not come across a full blog post dedicated to top hats (I did see one short comment on one of the Royal Ascot postings.) I suggest this because top hats, especially the antique silk top hats that have not been made for 75+ years are fascinating. I purchased a hat that is almost 100 years old (and also a 100 year old leather top hat case) about 4 years ago after my first trip to Royal Ascot. However, learning about how they were made, why they are no longer made in silk, etc. I think would be an interesting post for your readers. Thank you! (PS – and if I could figure out how to post a photo I’d send along a photo of me in my top hat and morning attire at Ascot!)
Welcome here, Chicago Chuck! Have you seen this post devoted to top hats? Your post suggestion is a good one- I’ll try and dig up some research. And please do post a photo of yourself in the antique piece you described!
I love your blog!!! I stumbled upon it looking for more blog inspiration and typing in Princess Beatrice Blogs into google. I am so glad that this blog was one of the ones that popped up. I have already subscribed to it and I can’t wait to read many of your other posts.
Thank you so much!
I found you accidentally and have become addicted! I love the honour and respect you show in each post. The beautiful, wonderful hats are a delight and make me happy. Thank you.
Have you ever watched the movie “Charade” with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant? She wears some of the most interesting and wonderful hats! None of which I’ve seen covered before on your blog. She’s not royal but certainly carried herself like one!
Hi there
Sorry I sent this earlier but to your but remember that you said previously about changing blog set ups !!!!
Not sure you saw this – it was a little hidden ! Anyhow Stephanie (Monaco) wears a hat !!!!! Looks great also !!! Photos 39-41 (you may have to advance a couple!!! the link doesn’t land correctly!!)
Take care and I love reading your blog as always.
Regards
Angela
http://www.oggi.it/attualita/get-image/?pid=130812&idg=4633&urlpagina=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vZ2dpLml0L2F0dHVhbGl0YS9nYWxsZXJ5L2FuZHJlYS1jYXNpcmFnaGktc3Bvc2EtdGF0aWFuYS1zYW50by1kb21pbmdvLWluLWNoaWVzYS1hLXJvdWdlbW9udC8=
Thank you for this wonderful blog. I look forward to it every day. Did you happen to see Charles and Camilla’s Christmas card? They are both wearing hats: http://www.eonline.com/news/492289/prince-charles-and-duchess-camilla-share-a-laugh-in-royal-christmas-card-see-the-couple-s-holiday-greeting?cmpid=par-121113-outbrain-paid-links
Happy Holidays!
I congratulate you on such an interesting, informative and enjoyable blog. I live in New Zealand and follow it regularly as I have long been a hat wearer and admirer. Interesting too to see the European, the minor royals and others as well as the British royals. Did you know Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is currently in Australia on tour (with some wonderful hats I imagine)
She is indeed on tour “down under”! Unfortunately, she has not worn a hat yet but the minute she does, I’ll make sure to feature it here!
Visiting your blog is part of my daily routine. I love it !!!! I know this doesn’t relate to hats but has anyone noticed the similarity between suit Kate wore to Christening and a suit worn by PoW I think in 1985 when she visited USA ?
I love your blog and look at it first thing every morning.
Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments!
I love HATS, they make a woman look so elegant and classy….I love your blog and will be here daily. Thank you for a place to go to see these beautiful hats that I so wish I could own.
Welcome here! It’s always wonderful to welcome another hat lover to our conversations.
Have just discovered your blog and it is great! You really know your hats and your comments are such fun. Keep up the very entertaining work.
Thanks so much, Sarah. Welcome here and please- join in the conversation!