Prinsjesdag 2020

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Members of the Dutch Royal family celebrated Prinsjesdag today, the start of a new session of Dutch parliament. While the event included King Willem-Alexander addressing a joint session of the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives and the royal women wore the traditional gown and hat of 18th century court dress, cancellation of the carriage procession and balcony appearance, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, gave it a very different feel than in years past.

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We’ve come to count on Queen Máxima to deliver glamour and she did not disappoint, standing out in an ochre yellow gown with horizontal, layered silk ruffles topped with a wired gold bandeau headpiece.

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It’s the first time Máxima has worn yellow for Prinsjesdag and it certainly makes a statement! Originally uncertain about the headpiece, closer views have made we warm to it; its lightness and delicacy works well with the gown, which could so easily be dragged down by a heavier piece. I wish the scale extended across the head in a complete bandeau but as it is, it’s a pretty, pared down piece that seems fitting for a pared down Prinsjesdag.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. It is the “Charme” design. Gown by Claes Iversen
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Princess Laurentien was dressed head to hem in grey, black and camel patterned Missoni knit, a three-piece top, skirt and fringed cape combination topped with a matching bandeau headpiece. The bandeau is simply but effectively trimmed with a black stripe.

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I’ll be honest- the 1970s throwback feel, the knit pattern and colour combination of this ensemble doesn’t appeal to me at all. My own bias aside, I have to concede that the choice of a bandeau shape with this outfit was a great call. I particularly like how the bandeau’s black stripe provides a punch of great graphic contrast and links well with the black stripe at the waist of the top. I appreciate the retro glam feel of this ensemble (Laurentien carries it better than most) but all that pattern and all that fringe put it over the top for me. Although…. haven’t we all been waiting months and months for some over-the-top royal fashion?!

 


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Designer: Eudia. Gown by Hardies Couture. Both are made of Missoni fabric. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new
The dress code of this event usually brings us some dramatic looks and, thankfully, Queen Máxima and Princess Laurentien did not disappoint. What do you think of this year’s pair of Prinsjesdag bandeaux?

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You can see all of the hats Queen Máxima has worn to Prinsjesdag over the years at this post

Photos from Getty as indicated

Monday Multiples: Countess of Wessex

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One of my favourite dresses in the Countess of Wessex’s closet is a vibrant green design from Suzannah with collared boatneck, black bow belt and full pleated skirt. Sophie has paired this stunning dress with three black Jane Taylor hats:

Look #1: With a black straw pillbox trimmed with vintage straw braid detail worn for a VE Day Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on May 10, 2015.

 Look #2:With a black felt button percher with silk abaca overlay and triple bow worn June 15, 2015 for the Order of the Garter Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
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Look #3: With a dramatic, wide waved disc straw hat with floral vine worn for Trooping the Colour on June 8, 2019
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Which hat do you think pairs best with this dress?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

This Week’s Extras

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Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in sweet summer hats to cheer their mum’s participation in the Calvi to Monaco Water Bike Challenge in support of her charitable foundation. Prince Jacque’s monogrammed cap is very sweet!
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Queen Margrethe repeated a cream felt hat with peach wool covered curved brim today to open an outdoor museum at Trundholm Mose, Odsherred, site where the famous Bronze Age “Sun Chariot” figure was found in 1902.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel hiked the Jämtlandstriangeln trail last weekend to advocate best ways to access nature
The following new millinery designs caught my eye this week:
Amazing how a cream straw trilby can be utterly transformed with a dotted veil. By Czech milliner Jolana Kotabova
Green straw bandeau with stunning floral and feather trim by Australian milliner Cessiah Alice
Elegant charcoal button percher with dip-dyed black stripe bow by British milliner Karen Geraghty
Indigo shibori dyed straw hat with hand embroidery by Australian brand Somewhere Here

Dior brimmed showstopper with hand sewn black and white braid brim by Australian milliner Christine Waring

Black felt teardrop percher with emerald and ivory silk abaca statement bow by British milliner Camilla Rose
Charming ecru and dusky pink straw boater with floral trim by American brand Victoria Regina
Navy and emerald felt fedoras that come to life with patterned hatbands by British milliner Jess Collett
Whimsical white and yellow straw brimmed hat with oversize feather daisies by Canadian milliner David Dunkley
Fantastic texture on this folded purple, gold and lime patterned-ribbon bandeau by UK brand Florey Millinery
Lovely jade straw and crin hat custom made to precise specifications by Dutch milliner Wies Mauduit (see front view here)
Stunning black pleated crin headpiece with Lady Amherst feathers & vintage crystals by British brand John Boyd Hats
Streamlined felt hat with flat topped crown in the loveliest shades of blue by Dutch milliner Myra van de Korput
Pale gold straw freeform hat with crin edge and dramatic black quills by British milliner Lucy Bowler
Navy parasisal beret percher with bronze levitating leaves by Australian milliner Lauren Ritchie
Tall mustard felt cloche with black beading and a decidedly 1960s vibe by New York brand Genevieve Rose
Whimsical beret in vibrant crin stripes by American milliner Amy Fowler. It’s so happy!

On Thursday, Princess Hisako unveiled a statue of her late husband, Prince Takamado
Princess Kiko celebrated her 54th birthday yesterday. The Imperial Household Agency released some lovely new photos to celebrate her birthday.

Photos from social media as indicated

Hats From the Past

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Royal Hats to September 5, 1932, 88 years ago, and a very sweet tam-sporting Princess Elizabeth returning to Balmoral Castle from attending Sunday morning service at nearby Crathie Kirk with her grandparents. Queen Mary’s pleated toque hat is embellished with fabric leaves and a diamond brooch, an addition that also seems to be on her granddaughter’s tam, in mini version.

Photo from Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

Painted?

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During our recent look at Princess Anne’s inventory green hats, discussion about her green straw hat painted with feathers threw out a challenge (thanks JamesB!) to find other painted royal hats. So I pass this to you, dearest readers- which royal hats can you recall that have painted embellishments? 

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At Ascot Racecourse on July 27, 2013


Visiting an Experimental Farm in Ottawa on July 5, 1982

Photos from Getty as indicated and Andy Clark/Canadian Press via the Windsor Star