to October 10, 1997 and a colourful picture hat with upswept brim worn on a visit to Pakistan. The contrast between the hat’s navy and cream base is intensified with the diagonal turquoise hatband- a style detail I don’t recall seeing before (or on another of the Queen’s hats!). It’s a lovely design I’d love to see Her Majesty repeat again!

to October 16, 1986 and an official state visit to China when Queen Elizabeth wore this aqua straw veiled pillbox with large back bow to view the infamous Terracotta Army. It’s a whimsical hat that takes an almost cartoonish turn paired with Her Majesty’s gingham trimmed suit- a memorable ensemble I’m surprised not to remember seeing before. Do any of you recall this hat?

 to a red straw hat with braided texture brim and a velvet ribbon hatband worn in Geneva in April 1980 (with cherry trim) and in the South Pacific in October 1982 (sans cherries). Queen Elizabeth had similar hats in this shape, as I recall, but the textured straw and vibrant colour on this design makes it stand out- do any of you remember seeing it before?

 Kicking off a second series of more ‘New” Hats From the Past”, looking at hats worn by Queen Elizabeth during that 1980s and 1990s that are new to me (and perhaps, new to some of you as well). On September 22, 1998 while on a tour of Malaysia, the Queen wore this taupe straw lampshade hat with tall crown and cream hatband (interestingly placed on top of the brim and not around the base of the crown). Not a vibrant hat, the shape is still very distinctive and I’m surprised I don’t recall seeing it before. Is this is a new hat for you as well?