Tag Archives: Countess of Ulster

This Week’s Extras

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Back in September, Princess Hisako opened an exhibition at the Yokohama Museum of Art in a hat with cream straw crown and olive straw brim with interesting hatband of flattened vertical straw loops.
On Monday, Empress Masako attended the 70th anniversary of the National Rehabilitation System in a sleek, pale grey suit with matching short-brimmed hat
On Tuesday, Princess Akiko presided over national self defense awards in a repeated ecru silk-covered cloche hat with upturned kettle brim and wide hatband. The same day, Princess Mako attended the closing ceremony of the 74th National Sports Festival in Ibaraki in an ivory bowler hat variation with pale blue hatband tied in a side bow.
Prince Albert’s daughter, Jazmin Grimaldi, shared several portraits this week wearing an orange fedora.
The Duke of Gloucester sported a dapper green fedora during his visit to  Morocco last week. Today, the Duchess of Gloucester repeated a cuffed black velvet hat with silk bow and the Countess of Ulster wore a veiled pillbox for the opening of parliament today (the Earl and Countess’ son, Lord Culloden, was one of the Queen’s four pages).


Queen Elizabeth arrived for the opening of Parliament in the incredible diamond and pearl George IV Diadem she wears for this event each year (read more about it over at The Royal Collection). She chose not to wear the Imperial State Crown this year- understandable, given its heavy weight. The Duchess of Cornwall sparkled in her go-to Greville tiara (sometimes known as the Boucheron Honeycomb tiara. You can read an excellent history of this tiara here).
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The following new millinery designs caught my eye this week:
Wonderfully trimmed fedoras in camel, yellow and mustard from British brand John Boyd Millinery

Bold black and cream striped waved discs by Spanish-based British milliner Donna Hartley
Emerald button percher with statement pheasant feather trim by British brand Rebecca Couture Millinery
Beautiful hand draping on this camel felt design (proof beige isn’t always boring!) by British milliner Jane Taylor
Magenta straw bowler with silk brim and ombre ruffled trim by Australian milliner Rachel Henry
Stunning gold beaded halo bandeau headpiece with twist from Australian milliner Marilyn Van den Berg

And from Irish milliner Carol Kennelly, this utterly fantastic black percher with shooting stars.

After last Monday’s announcement that children of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine have been removed from the Royal House of Sweden (along with their HRH titles) and will be free to pursue private lives, was endorsed by both the prince and princess with sharing of new family photos.
Turns out the lovely new photos of Princess Elisabeth, one which was turned into a stamp released on her 18th birthday, were taken by her dad.

Photos from social media as indicated

Kent Wedding at Windsor: British Royal Cousins

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After admiring the hats and headpieces worn by the bridal party and Kent family relations at Saturday’s wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston, we turn now to the bride’s British royal cousins. We begin with the family’s matriarch, Queen Elizabeth, who repeated the lovely cerise straw hat we first saw her wear at Ascot last year. With a gently molded stepped crown, sidesweeping brim and double straw hatband, the focus of this design is its vibrantly beautiful posy of handmade silk flowers on the side, studded with arrow trimmed feathers.

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It’s a lovely look for Her Majesty with the contrasting textures between straw hat and tweedy coat giving some dimension to the ensemble. While the hat’s balance and shape are beautiful on their own, it’s those incredible silk flowers and the colour used on their inner petals that magnetically draws pulls the eye in for a second look that makes this design a standout star.

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Designer: Rachel Trevor Morgan
Previously Worn: June 21, 2018

Princess Anne repeated a hat in finely woven navy straw. In a variation of a cloche shape, the design’s short brim is upturned on one side in an angle echoed by a slight diagonal pitch on the crown. The interesting shape is somewhat lost against the hat’s trim, a wide yellow hatband with navy stripes and large side flower, both in the same fabric as the ensemble’s coordinating jacket.

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Coordinated is a good descriptor for this look but thankfully, those strips on the hat’s hatband keep it from the dreaded “matchy” label. No, it’s not currently fashionable but it makes a graphic statement and the interaction between hat and jacket is balanced. It’s a strong look that Anne carries well, despite looking slightly out of place in this decade.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: September 20, 2011; August 12, 2010; June 17, 2009; April 8, 2007 and likely others

Princess Beatrice topped a navy lace dress with a white straw button percher hat, lavishly trimmed with straw loops, silk organza pointed leaves and layered silk flowers. The hat is lovely but I thought its pairing with this lace dress was incongruous in both colour and feel. The pieces are both exquisite and I’d love to see them both on Beatrice again, paired with alternate elements (imagine this hat with a floral frock? So pretty.).

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Designer: bespoke Jess Collett. Self-Portrait dress.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Sarah Chatto wore an oversize cloche hat in ecru straw hat with rounded crown and extended brim. Sarah is an expert in elegant neutrals and this hat, with white sweater set and taupe silk pleated skirt, is a case in point. I initially thought this was a new addition (I’m SO ready to see her add different shapes to her millinery wardrobe) than the saucers she has favored for the past few years) but you eagle eyed readers remembered it’s nearly 20 years old- a case for sticking to classic shapes because it’s certainly aged well. Interestingly, the brim on this design is flexible, as shown by the different positions Lady Sarah has worn it in the past.

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Designer: likely Stephen Jones
Previously Worn: June 18, 2012; June 15, 2006; June 4, 2002; June 10, 2001; July 11, 2000; 

The biggest millinery surprise of the event was on the Duchess of Gloucester, who brought back a headpiece last seen in the early 1980s.  In royal blue textured straw braided into a wide headband, the design nearly defies its age thanks to its wonderful colour, which pairs fantastically with Brigitte’s silk dress. Yes, it’s a dated and slightly bonkers look but one that is brilliantly brave and for this, deserves both giggles and admiration.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: June 16, 1984

The Duchess’ daughter-in-law, the Countess of Ulster, wore a  beret percher covered in black crepe, trimmed with a dramatic sweep of pleated crin trim

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Designer: Bundle MacLaren. It is a bespoke version of the Leah design. Dress from Cefinn
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Rose Gilman paired her turquoise dress with a red straw button percher trimmed with a crescent of red goose feathers anchored with a jeweled bow.

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Designer: unknown. Dress by L.K.Bennett
Previously Worn: uncertain

Sarah, Duchess of York, wore one of my favourite hats of the day, a triple layered saucer in dusky pink straw with lovely upsweep around the back and a trimming of pheasant feathers. Everything about this hat is spot-on (from scale to colour to unexpected feather trim (which links so well with Sarah’s signature auburn hair) to that beautiful sweeping curve) and the combination of hat and dress is spectacularly elegant.

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Designer: Jess Collett
Previously Worn: This hat is new. Dress by Jad Ghandour

I know some of you have been waiting two days to discuss these hats so let’s jump to it- which designs here stood out most to you?

Photos from Getty as indicated; Tim Rooke/Shutterstock 

British Royals Attend Garter Service

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Established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Twenty four recipients of the order, known each as a Knight or Lady,  meet each year for a ceremony held int St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on the Monday before Royal Ascot begins. The British monarchy describes these men and women as “chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.” The annual Garter Day procession, where the Queen, Knights and Ladies process from Windsor Castle to St. George’s Chapel in grand velvet robes, sparkling insignia and distinctive plumed hats, is very grand indeed.

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The hat associated with the order is a black velvet Tudor-style design with voluminous crown atop a flat brim (some appear less flat with age!), trimmed with black heron feathers, lavish white ostrich plumes and a slim cord wrapped around the base of the crown that extends to a pair of gold and royal blue tassels hanging down the side (see last photo of the Queen in the set below).

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In addition to the Queen, the order is held by members of the British royal family including: The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of York, Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal, Duke of Gloucester, Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra. All, except for Prince Philip, were in attendance today.

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The Duchess of Cornwall repeated her white straw picture hat with angular, off-centre peaked crown and sideswept brim trimmed in a shiny dark navy patent hatband and slimmer navy silk strip that wraps into a circular side decorative wreath. The sharp lines of the hat appear to be softened by Camilla’s cream dress and lace jacket and while the pairing is for the most part a good one, I’m not keen on the dark navy trim on the hat paired with the black trim on the jacket.
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Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: Sep 17, 2017
The Countess of Wessex repeated her oyster straw hat with shallow, flat crown and wide, mushroom brim, trimmed by a swath of curling oyster and black feathers and cream crin twists around the top of the brim. It was this hat’s first pairing with just the familiar toille dress (she earlier paired it with this dress and a black jacket) and the two pieces combine to make a light and very pretty summery ensemble. 
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Designer: Jane Taylor. Dress by Emilia Wickstead.
Previously Worn: June 2, 2015; May 17, 2014; August 9, 2013; June 4, 2013
The Duchess of Gloucester repeated her slate blue straw pillbox with short veil. The hat links well with Brigitte’s matching dress coat and the sheen of the straw and pattern of the veil gives some lovely textural contrast within the ensemble.
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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: May 19, 2018; June 17, 2017; June 1, 2017; July 1, 2016; June 12, 2016; June 10, 2016

The Duchess of Gloucester’s daughter-in-law, the Countess of Ulster, was spotted leaving the service along with Princess Alexandra’s granddaughter Zenouska Mowatt. The Countess of Ulster repeated a cream straw button percher hat trimmed with long laquered red goose feathers and a black pinok pok straw bow. With her red dress, the hat tops a sharp look for Claire. Zenouska topped her white and navy dotted frock with a navy straw waved teardrop percher hat trimmed with a tall, folded ruffle of navy and cream crin. Like many other young royals, Zenouska wears this style of hat very well and the piece looks to coordinate perfectly with her dress.

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Designer of The Countess of Ulster’s hat: Awon Golding
Previously Worn: June 10, 2016
Designer of Zenouska’s hat: I suspect Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: I believe this is new.
Garter day is always a highlight and serves as a wonderful opening to Ascot week. What do you think of the hats spotted at Windsor Castle today?
Photos from Getty as indicated

Phillips Wedding, Ten Years On: The Hats

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  After looking at the gowns and headpieces worn by the bride and attendants at the wedding of Peter and Autumn Phillips, ten years ago this week, we now turn our attention to the hats worn by the couple’s family.

Queen Elizabeth followed the same fashion approach she took nine years earlier at the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s wedding (also held at St. George’s chapel), opting for a feathered headpiece instead of a hat. Her bandeau of grey and bronze feathers pulled out the hues in her matching lace trimmed coat and gown.

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Princess Anne also opted for a fascinator and topped her chocolate dress and ivory brocade jacket with a feather spray in the same hues tucked behind her right ear. Autumn’s grandmothers are also pictured in the photo below- her paternal grandmother Mrs. Ivy Kelly wore a black hat with white hatband while her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Edith McCarthy wore a stylish design with cream sideswept brim and burgundy crown.

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The bride’s Kathleen Magas, wore a wide brimmed white crin hat trimmed with a large ruffle anchored with a pale blue hatband in the same shade as her suit.

May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats

Autumn’s stepmother, Lynne Kelly, wore a headpiece of charcoal silk roses set over cream and grey rings

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The Duchess of Cornwall wore one of her signature Philip Treacy curving bandeau feathered headresses in pale blue arrow trimmed feathers.

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Princess Beatrice wore perhaps the most memorable piece of millinery at this event, a statement Philip Treacy fascinator  of multicoloured monarch butterflies. Princess Eugenie also wore a Philip Treacy creation, a taupe metallic straw disc percher hat with gravity defying knotted bow.

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The Countess of Wessex did not appear on the front steps of St. George’s Chapel following the ceremony but is spotted at the front right of the group photo below- she wore the same large fascinator of grey silk roses, rings and feathers by Philip Treacy that she wore to Ascot a month later.

May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats

Viscountess Linley, as was her title at the time, followed the fascinator craze with another large piece from Philip Treacy in pale grey and taupe feathers.

May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats

Lady Sarah Chatto is visible at the top left of the photo below in a dove grey picture hat by Stephen Jones (she wore the same one to Charles and Camilla’s wedding at this same location in 2005)

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The Gloucester family was represented by the three Gloucester children and their familes. The Countess of Ulster, in the top right of the first photo below, wore a wore a turquoise headpiece.Lady Rose Gilman (scroll to the second photo) wore a large headpiece of black and cream silk roses that I would have preferred placed over her eyebrow instead of the side of her head. Lady Davina (scroll to third photo) topped her blue coat with a pleated silver grey hat on a cap-style base base (interestingly, her sister Rose would wear a very similar hat three years later to William and Kate’s wedding).

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Lord Frederick and Lady Gabriella Windsor represented the Kent branch of the family. Gabriella’s silver metallic button base cocktail hat, also by Philip Treacy, was trimmed with a large grey silk cabbage rose and sprays of grey silk leaves.

May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats
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While not yet a member of the royal family, Catherine Middleton attended the wedding (William was away in Africa at another wedding) in a black bumper cocktail hat with straw twist and  black tulle veil.

May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats  May 17, 2008 | Royal Hats

Looking back at these hats, I’m reminded how, in 2008, fascinators were at the height of popularity. The hats and headpieces at Peter and Autumn’s wedding reflect this trend and the relative informality of the event, which will be noticeably lower key than this weekend’s upcoming wedding. Looking back, which hats stand out to you most? Which hats have stood the test of ten years of changing fashion?
Photos from Getty as indicated; Hello

Trooping the Colour: Gloucester & Kent Families

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Trooping the Colour was attended today, as in years past, by the Queen’s cousins and their families. The Duchess of Gloucester, who rode in a carriage with her husband and the Duke of Kent, repeated her grey straw cuffed bumper hat with net veil trim. The men wore in morning dress with top hats.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: June 1, 2017; July 1, 2016; June 12, 2016; June 10, 2016
The Countess of Ulster wore a natural straw percher hat with button base and large straw twist. Lady Rose Gilman wore a red percher with straw beret base trimmed with red feathers.

 Countess of Ulster, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats  Lady Rose Gilman, , June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designers: Claire’s hat is Gina Foster. Rose’s hat is unknown
Previously Worn: uncertain  

The Duchess of Kent made a rare public appearance today in a denim blue percher hat trimmed with what looks to be lace on the hat and a spray o feather at the back. Princess Alexandra stood nearby in her large cream hat with high, domed crown, wide moulded hatband, net tulle covered brim and front feather pouf. .

Princess Alexandra & Duchess of Kent, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats    Duchess of Kent, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designer:both are unknown
Princess Alexandra’s hat was Previously Worn: May 15, 2015; July 16, 2012; here; here; here

The Countess of St. Andrews wore an interesting hat in what looks to be lattice printed straw (or hemp? or burlap?) with a cartwheel brim fanning out from a narrow, diagonal crown. There does not seem to be any further embellishment on the hat besides a slim navy ribbon hatband and fringed brim edge. Sylvanna’s daughter, Lady Amelia Windsor, repeated the distinctive navy ruched turban with lattice printed crin accent we saw Sylvanna wear last year to the Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday.

Countess of St. Andrews, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats   Lady Amelia Windsor, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designer: both are unknown. I suspect the navy turban is Philip Treacy

Lady Helen Windsor wore a stylised white Homberg hat with indented crown, short brim raised around one side and a navy bow at the front. This piece is from Stephen Jones’ Miss Jones SS 2017 collection. Helen’s sister-in-law, Lady Nicholas Windsor (Paola, who is peeking out from behind the Duke of Glouster, below right) wore what looks to be some sort of large cream saucer percher.

Lady Helen Taylor, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats   Lady Nicholas Taylor, June 17, 2017 | Royal Hats

Designer: Helen’s hat is Stephen Jones. Paola’s hat is unknown
Previously Worn: I think both may be new. 

Julia Ogilvy repeated her cream picture hat with square crown, cartwheel brim and flying bow on the side. In today’s sea of cream hats, I liked the styling of this one, with Julia’s sand and teal printed dress and her pearl necklace, best.

Julia Ogilvy, June 17, 2017 in Philip Treacy | Royal Hats Julia Ogilvy, June 17, 2017 in Philip Treacy | Royal Hats

Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: June 10, 2016; June 11, 2011; April 30, 2011

Flora Ogilvy repeated her large cream straw picture hat with multi-looped side bow. Her cousin, Zenouska Mowatt, topped her olive dress with a cream straw teardrop shaped sidesweep lavishly trimmed with feathers. The trim on Zenouska’s hat makes it come to life and I love how her blue shoes at a hit of contrast and make her ensemble look very polished from head to toe.

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Designer of Flora’s hat: unknown
Previously Worn: June 11, 2016
Designer of Zenouska’s hat: Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: I believe this is new

Princess Michael of Kent repeated her white straw wide brimmed hat with ostrich feather boa wrap/overlay.

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Designer: John Boyd
Previously Worn: June 10, 2016; June 17, 2015;  June 6, 2015; June 7, 2014

Lady Frederick Windsor (Sophie) wore what is described by the designer as a “window sinamay coolie with a dip dyed silk rose”.  There also appears to be light feathers trimming the underbrim of the raised side of this gently sloping pyramid shaped piece. It’s a pretty piece that I think might be showed to greater effect with a non-monochrome outfit.

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Designer: Jane Taylor. It is the ‘Clusia Rosea‘ from SS 2017
Previously Worn: this hat is new

Lady Gabriella Windsor wore another cream hat, this one with an upswept brim and trimmed with a large multi-looped bow of lattice printed crin. This view shows the slightly oval shape of the brim- a view we don’t often get to see on hats with upswept brims.

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Lady Gabriella Windsor, June 17, 2017 in Philip Treacy | Royal Hats

Designer: Philip Treacy. It looks like a bespoke version of OC 264 from SS 2017
Previously Worn: this hat is new  
That covers all of the 21 royal hats that appeared today at Trooping the Colour. This group has less diversity than in previous years- without Lady Rose’s red hat, the Duchess of Kent’s blue hat and that mod navy turban on Lady Amelia, this branch of the family would be an entire sea of cream. Thankfully, this trio joined Autumn Philips and the Duchess of Cambridge in bringing some colour to liven up the balcony scene today. 
 What hats stood out to you today, most? Are there any pieces from this final group that you would like to add to your own millinery closet?
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To see hats worn by other members of the British royal Family, jump over to these posts:
 
Photos from Getty and social media as indicated; Samir Hussein, DMC, James Devaney, James Devaney, James Devaney and James Devaney via Getty; Mark Stewart via Twitter