Tassels?

News of Princess Beatrice’s engagement yesterday brought me hopeful thoughts for a 2020 wedding (with HATS!) and nostalgic admiration for some of her great millinery looks this year. One of my favourites was the sky blue straw boater with tassel trim by Bundle MacLaren she wore to Ascot. This got me thinking, dearest readers… how many other royal hats have been trimmed with tassels? Or long fringe? What do you think of such trimmings?

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Photos from Getty as indicated 

Hat From the Past

Royal Hats to this day in 1978 and a visit to Australia that saw Princess Alexandra in a textured hat with relaxed brim and braided hatband. Interesting how the very rounded crown of this hat is sewn in wedge panels.

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Photos from Getty as indicated

Top Royal Hats: May 2019

Despite stiff competition, two very clear winners (both in pale shades of pink!) have emerged in the races for favourite new design and favourite repeated hat worn back in May:


Countess of Wessex’s blush pink straw disc hat with black windowpane crin by Jane Taylor worn May 21



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Sarah, Duchess of York’s pink layered disc with pheasant feathers by Jess Collett worn May 18 

Jump over to the poll for favourite new hat here and the repeated hat poll here to see the results in greater detail.  
Photos from Getty as indicated

Monday Multiples: Queen Elizabeth

Thanks to Jimbo for providing the introduction and background research for this “Monday Multiples” post.

Jimbo’s Introduction: Today’s pair of hats, made of the same very palest blue material as Queen Elizabeth’s dress and coat, are quite different in style.  Both are adorned with a single ostrich feather, giving each hat a wonderfully light and airy, whimsical touch, great for outdoor events with a little breeze.  The original brimless hat from 2012 was replaced by a very typical, business-as-usual shape in 2017, which we have all come to know and recognize as perhaps her current trademark style.

Look #1: A formed beret with tall peak on one side, trimmed with a button-anchored upright white ostrich feather designed by Angela Kelly and made by Stella McLaren first worn November 27, 2012 to welcome a Kuwaiti state visit and repeated March 17, 2016 at the London Zoo.

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Look #2: A slightly flared crown hat with upturned kettle brim trimmed with the same button-anchored white ostrich feather placed diagonally across the front of the hat, also designed by Angela Kelly and made by Stella McLaren, first worn May 13, 2017 at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. 

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The sweeping collar on Her Majesty’s coat is a unique style feature for her- which hat do you prefer most itt?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Hat From the Past

Royal Hats to this day, 50 years ago, in 1969 when Queen Juliana of the Netherlands opened a new session of parliament in a statement hat to end all statement hats.

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Photo from Getty as indicated