With many of us facing Christmases separated from family and friends, we need all the cheer we can get. So this week’s question, dearest readers, is a light hearted one- which royal hats can you recall with the largest twist(s)?
I’ve kicked things off above with Princess Marie Chantal of Greece in a Philip Treacy design. Now it’s your turn!
Photo from Getty as indicated
With news yesterday that the British royal family will celebrate Christmas Day privately, in small groups, and not make any public appearances (as to not draw a crowd), we won’t be seeing any December 25 hats this year. So instead, let’s look back at hats worn for Christmas past, beginning today with Princess Beatrice:
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Velvet hats in jewel tones for Christmases 1994 through 2001
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Electric blue Philip Treacy percher with feather flower in 2002; Black trilby in 2003 and 2004
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Purple felt Philip Treacy cloche in 2005; Ecru percher with bow and feathers in 2006: Repeated blue percher in 2007
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Grey beret percher with bow in 2008; Taupe felt Whitely beret with blue sequins in 2009;
Black percher with bow and white rose in 2010
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Black felt button percher with flying bow by Rachel Black in 2011; Black Rosie Olivia beret with folded bow in 2012;
Black Nerida Fraiman button percher with blue flower in 2013
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Repeat of the 2011 Rachel Black percher in 2014; Black velvet beaded pillbox by Juliette Botterill in 2015;
Black and white houndstooth headpiece with red silk rose by Juliette Botterill in 2016
Juliette Botterill ryal blue percher with roses and bow in 2017; Navy felt fedora in 2018;
Emerald knotted bandeau headpiece by Juliette Botterill in 2019
It’s an eclectic mix that, unsurprisingly, closely follows millinery style trends. While have soft spots for the taupe beret in 2009 and the black button with fantastic blue flower in 2013, I think she’s really hit her stride with recent designs by Juliette Botterill- especially the stunning royal blue rose trimmed design in 2017. I can’t think of a shade of blue that suits her better.
What do you notice about this evolution of Christmas hats on Princess Beatrice? Which designs stand out most to you?
Photos by Chris Jackson, Paul Ellis / AFP and UK Press Pool/UK Press via Getty
The Duchess of Cambridge has paired her fitted green wool crepe Catherine Walker coat with velvet collar, pockets and cuffs and brass buttons with two different pieces of millinery so far:
Look #1: With a green felt Lock & Co. saucer with flowers around the elevated back worn for the annual Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade at Household Cavalry Barracks on March 17, 2017
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Look #2: With a black velvet halo bandeau headpiece by Jane Taylor worn November 11, 2018
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Which millinery design do you prefer most with this coat?
Photos from Getty as indicated
The Countess of Wessex has worn her snakeskin printed straw cloche hat with high, split crown and Lady Amherst feather trim by Philip Treacy with three ensembles:
Look #1: With a grey dot printed silk dress and belted white pique jacket worn April 9, 2005 to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding
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Look #2: With a pale slate blue dress with moire watermark printed collar, cuffs, hem and front placket trim, worn for a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on July 17, 2007
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Look #3: With a black dress and notch collared jacket worn for a service of thanksgiving for the life of Sir Edmund Hillary on April 2, 2008
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Which ensemble do you prefer most with this hat?
Photos from Getty as indicated
With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it feels like a good time to spread some joy. So this week’s question, dearest readers, is a light hearted one- when you think about royal hats that make you smile, what is the first one that comes to mind?!
Mine is this magenta felt hugger with huge knotted bow, by Philip Treacy, worn several times by Zara Tindall. She’s shown below at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15, 2012.
I can’t wait to see what you all share!
Photo from Getty as indicated
