twenty years ago to July 18, 1997 and a visit to Derbyshire that saw Queen Elizabeth in a hat with pleated white silk crown and transparent yellow straw upfolded brim. We don’t often see this kind of pleated crown detail on royal hats which makes this design stand out- funny that I don’t recall seeing it before. Was this hat new for you as well?

 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.