The Queen’s 1947 visit to Africa was momentous for several reasons-  it was the first state visit since 1939 and the outbreak of World War II and would be the last for Princess Elizabeth before announcing her engagement. She celebrated her 21st birthday in South Africa, broadcasting a coming-of-age speech that defined her commitment to a life of service. Another one of the memorable hats worn on the visit was this bright yellow design with curved brim trimmed in organza ruffles.

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In early 1947, Princess Elizabeth accompanied her parents and sister on a tour to Africa. During the visit, she wore this unique design with raised pinched brim trimmed the same dotted blue silk as her dress.

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Princess Elizabeth in a hat with sharply upturned brim backed by bows for a July 3, 1946 visit to the Princess Margaret Rose Children’s Hospital at Fairmilehead, Edinburgh.

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Princess Elizabeth was named Colonel of the Grenadier Guards on her sixteenth birthday, April 21, 1942. That day, she conducted her first official engagement, an inspection of the regiment at Windsor Castle, in a military-styled hat with visor and pleated halo crown.

Princess Elizabeth attends Children’s Day at Aldershot Tattoo on May 31, 1938 in a wide brimmed straw hat with floral trim. She wore the same hat a year later on a visit to St. Catherine’s Docks with her grandmother, Queen Mary.