Imperial Royals At Floral Events

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Last Thursday, Princess Nobuko of Mikasa officially opened the 2017 International Roses & Gardening Show in Saitama Prefecture. For this event, she wore a white straw hat with straight sided crown and rolled brim, wrapped in a swath of pale blue tulle. I often straddle the fence when it comes to such frothy hats but this one, paired with he blue and green floral dress, seems wonderfully appropriate for this event.

Princess Nobuko, May 11, 2017 | Royal Hats

Princess Nobuko, May 11, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new

Last Saturday, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and Princess Hanako visited the 50th anniversary exhibition of the Japanese Ikebana Art Association in Tokyo. Princess Hanako, who is Honorary President of the Association, wore a cream hat with rounded crown and mushroom brim that looked to be made of crin (or some type of transparent material). The hat is embellished with what appears to be green shoots (or vines?) and tiny leaves placed around the brim. I can only hope Hanako wears this again soon so we can have a better look. I’m intrigued.

Princess Hanako, May 13, 2017 | Royal Hats

Princess Hanako, May 13, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new
Photos  from Mainichi and JNN News

Hat From the Past

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Royal Hats to this day, 50 years ago, which saw Princess Alexandra enjoy a bird’s eye view of Toronto and open a fashion exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. While the back bow on this helmet/turban is a stretch, I can’t even begin to imagine the purpose of those peepholes.

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Photos from Getty as indicated

Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Two new British royal hats made their debut over the weekend at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth presented the Best Turned out Trooper award in a new hat made to match her pale blue flying ribbon collared coat.

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With a very similar white plume to the triangular beret hat previously worn with this coat, this design features an angular, flared crown and short, gently upturned brim edged. The hat is again entirely covered in the same fabric as the coat and the pieces again combine to make a very unified outfit. That, however, is where the similarities between the old hat and this new hat end. The triangular beret was a unique and unusual piece that brought some drama, interest and sass to the ensemble – all things that elevated it way beyond just being a pale blue coat and hat. Is it me or does the new hat feel a little bland in comparison?

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Designer: Angela Kelly
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Louise Windsor took part yesterday in The Champagne Laurent-Perrier Meet of the British Driving Society, taking over from her grandfather as lead in the carriage driving procession in a recently restored carriage used by Queen Elizabeth in 1943.

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Lady Louise looked very smart in a loden green plaid wool riding hat with brown suede leather hatband and piping around the brim edge. We don’t often see hats worn with snoods and while this look is well into costume territory (appropriately so!), it’s a wonderful look for her.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I imagine this hat is new

Finally, Queen Elizabeth was spotted enjoying the show yesterday in her repeated sky blue wool hat with chrysanthemum feather flowers. While some may find it sweet that she wore a hat trimmed with mums (albeit feathered ones) for Mother’s Day, the UK celebrates this holiday in March and I think this was purely a coincidence.

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Designer: Angela Kelly, made by Stella McLaren. Coat designed by Stewart Parvin
Previously Worn: Oct 27, 2016;  March 14, 2016; November 12, 2015; June 11, 2015; April 5, 2015; October 24, 2014; April 8, 2014; October 23, 2013
What do you think of the new hats worn over the weekend?
Photos from Getty as indicated

Hat From the Past

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Royal Hats to this day in 1992 when the Princess of Wales wore this wide brimmed Philip Somerville hat on a visit to Egypt. The matching width of stripes on the hat and Catherine Walker suit are so effective (and proof of obvious collaboration between fashion designer and milliner). It’s hard to believe 25 years has passed.

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Photos from Getty as indicated

Hats From the Past

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Royal Hats to a photograph that appeared in The Illustrated London News on this day, 107 years ago. King George V had been king for just eight days and is pictured in naval uniform along with the future Edward VIII. Queen Mary was resplendent in an Edwardian feather trimmed hat.

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Photo from Getty as indicated