to this time of year in 1980 when the Queen joined her mother for the Braemar Highland Games. Her small blue moulded straw hat follows the most wonderful stacked brim shape, making an eye-catching design despite its complete lack of embellishment. 37 years on, I think it’s a hat that could wear well today! Do any of you remember this uniquely shaped design?

20 years ago to July 1, 1997 and a visit to Ottawa when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh shared cake with other couples also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The queen’s pink straw hat was trimmed in brim piping and a slim second hatband in the same floral print silk as her suit, with a large bow and feather spray at the back. It’s a larger brim that we usually see her wear and while the piece might be more attractive to contemporary eyes with less trim, it’s an eye-catching ensemble I’m surprised not to have noticed before.

 to an August 20, 1995 visit to the Tower Of London where the Queen donned an aqua straw hat with pork pie shaped crown, trimmed with a wide, ruched white silk hatband anchored with an aqua button.

 to July 21, 1988 and a tall green flower trimmed bumper hat worn on a visit to Devon. It’s a striking piece in colour, scale and gently curved shape which Her Majesty wears very well- so well, in fact, that I’m surprised not to remember seeing it before.

 to August 7, 1997 and an interesting hat worn in Porstmouth as the Queen boarded the royal yacht Britannia for a trip around Western Scotland (the hat’s earlier outing in France in 1992 is shown in the bottom photo). At first glance, this hat is a simply shaped one in yellow straw with a rounded crown and kettle brim. A closer look at the brim shows a second cartwheel brim in cream straw on the underside of the hat, giving the appearance that Her Majesty is sporting a pair of hats stacked on top of the other.  Do you recall this creative and slightly cheeky design?