I usually use a Hat Query post to answer a reader question but I’m turning the tables today, dear readers, and posing a question to all of you! Here goes.

Last week, Queen Margrethe was pictured in Shanghai in this classic straw hat:

The last time she wore this hat, however, it looked like this:

Visiting the  Aarhus State Gymnasium, August 30, 2013

My first thought was that this was a completely different hat. The brim of the hat worn last week in Shanghai noticeably curves up in front while the brim on the hat worn last summer (above) curves down. I was about to declare these different hats when two more photos from the royal couple’s summer cruise last year caught my eye.

Queen Margrethe on the island of Fyn, June 5, 2013

Notice how this straw hat has the same textured weave as the hat we saw last week in Shanghai? And the distinct finishing seam around the brim? And how the brim curves up in the back but down in the front?  I think this is all the same hat!  If I’m right, Margrethe simply changes out the coloured band around the crown to coordinate with whatever outfit she is wearing. I suppose she wore it backwards last week in Shanghai for some variety.

There you have it, folks- I think this is the same hat. I’m curious, however, what you think of my hypothesis. Do you think this is the same hat?

Photos from Keld Navntoft via BT.dk; Morten Hymoeller Laursen via Aarhus Statsgymnasium; and Michael Bager via Fyens