Tag Archives: Duchess of Sussex

British Royals Commemorate Remembrance Sunday

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Members of the British Royal Family joined veterans, military servicepeople, members of government and civilians for a Remembrance Ceremony held yesterday morning at The Cenotaph, in Whitehall.

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The Prince of Wales, who placed wreaths on The Cenotaph of behalf of his mother, was joined by the Princess Royal, the Dukes of Cambridge, Sussex, York, and Kent and the Earl of Wessex, all in military uniform.

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Queen Elizabeth, who watched the service from a Whitehall balcony for the third year, repeated a black straw hat with silk crepe covered crown and binds the upturned kettle brim. The hat is simply trimmed with a stripe of black silk which circles the crown, anchored by two covered buttons in the font.

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Designer: Angela Kelly, made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: June 27, 2017; Nov 8, 2015

The Duchess of Cornwall wore a new, brimless hat. The design follows an oversize helmet (or mushroom top?) shape with gently rounded edges. The curved lines of the hat are dramatically accentuated with a mass of overlapping black feathers that circle around it.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Cambridge also wore a new, brimless hat, her design built on a formed teardrop beret base with gentle crease down the center which gives it a gentle curve. The hat is beautifully trimmed with black braid ‘frog’ fasteners and corresponding beaded buttons which, along with the embroidered and tassel trimmed swags on her coat, give a thoughtful military nod to the day.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Coat by Catherine Walker
Previously Worn: this hat is new

The Duchess of Sussex wore a streamlined black felt hat with wide cartwheel brim. The straight sides of the hat’s crown elevate its sophistication, as does its slim hatband, tied in front in an elegantly austere bow.

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Designer: Stephen Jones’ ‘Facetime’ from AW 2019 Miss Jones Collection. Coat by Stella McCartney. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Countess of Wessex wore a black felt perching saucer hat trimmed with a large bow. A subtle swirl on the inside of the saucer (created through hand shaping) gives lovely movement to the design.

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Designer: Jane Taylor. It is the ‘Black Felt Hat With Bow’ from AW 2019. 
Previously Worn: this hat is new

Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester usually attend this event but so far, do not appear in any photographs (I’ll update the post if they do). In the meantime, there are some beautiful new hats here to admire.

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Sussexes Visit Field of Remembrance

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 91st Field of Remembrance outside Westminster Abbey this morning.

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While the Duke predictably wore military uniform with cap, the Duchess wore a new percher hat. In deep midnight blue velvet felt, the hat’s teardrop base, which curves down around the face, is punctuated with a knotted bow. The hat is completed with a an overlaid birdcage veil in large honeycomb weave, dotted with crystals.

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The design hits just the right note of subdued solemnity at an event such as this. The colour is particularly brilliant, its deep hue a fittingly somber alternative to black that looks lovely on Meghan and will equally suit future, less sober engagements (how great would this hat be on Christmas Day?). It’s such an expertly balanced design and I admire how the veil adds texture and the faintest hint of sparkle around Meghan’s face.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. It is OC-630 from AW 2019. Coat from Sentaler. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

What do you think of this new hat today at Westminster Abbey?

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Photos from Getty as indicated 

This Week’s Extras

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The Akishinos completed their visit to Poland and moved on to Finland. For their first day of events there, Crown Princess Kiko wore two hats- a navy (or black?) brimmed design with white crown, black ruched hatband and back bow; and a cuffed calot with side bow in palest grey textured fabric
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Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex made an unexpected appearance at Wimbledon to watch her good friend Serena Williams. She repeated a ready-to wear- informal fedora with black hatband, the ‘x Biltmore Panama Hat’ by Madewell
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Princess Anne celebrated 50 years of the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent in Clyde, Scotland on Thursday
Prince Albert was in Brussels yesterday to see the start of the 106th Tour de France
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Carina Axelsson, partner of Princess Benedikte’s eldest son, Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg shared this photo of herself in a black feathered fascinator taken back at Trooping the Colour in early June
The following new millinery designs caught my eye this week:
Beautiful crown shape on this chic summer straw hat from French brand, Maison Michel
Adore the pattern in this floral disc hat with flying bow by Irish milliner Carol Kennelly
Ecru straw boater with amazing, detachable father sailboat trim by Russian-born UK milliner Maria Zherebtsova
Breathtaking aqua saucer with hand-painted lace and impeccable silk binding by Dutch milliner Wies Mauduit
Fun (and airy!) twist on a classic bowler by London-based Spanish milliner Rafael Peinador
Winter white felt trilby with blue stripped pheasant feathers by UK milliner Siana Yewdall
Chic straw baseball caps from Italian brand Borsalino
Kokoshnik bandeau of silk flowers studded with branches and birds by UK brand Bombini Studio
An oversize ivory brimmed picture hat with orange bloom at the Henley Regatta on a familiar face!

And from Melbourne-based brand Taboo Millinery, this hand carved and painted black and white boater. Amazing!

Charming summer family photo shared by Prince Carl Phillip and Princess Sofia. Those young princes are growing like weeds!
Great peek inside the new Dutch government jet that will transport King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima around the world. I wonder if the king will also pilot it?!
And finally, this sweet new summer portrait of the Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, released recently for the 50th anniversary of the Prince’s investiture as Prince of Wales

Photos from social media as indicated

British Royals in New Hats for Christening

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex christened their son Archie this morning in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle.

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The Duchess of Sussex opted for an all cream ensemble topped with a new hat. A straw formed beret-base percher, the design is trimmed with a monochrome crin (or silk organza?) ruffle and finely woven veil.

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Designer: My guess is Stephen Jones. Dress by Dior.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Cornwall added another ecru hat to her growing collection. A smaller version of this design, also in textural braided straw, the hat features a modified cloche shape with upturned brim. The hat is simply trimmed with a monochrome knotted bow in the same braided straw on one side, which balances the slightly raised brim on the other.

Designer: I believe it is Lock and Co. Dress by Anna Valentine
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Cambridge topped her salmon pink dress with a red straw bandeau headpiece trimmed in a wide braid of silk abaca. Kate has embraced headpieces of this shape and scale over the past year- the colour and braided motif of this one are really lovely on her. I also really like the unexpected red accessories with her pink dress.


Designer: Juliette Botterill bespoke beandeau version of the Pleated Pillbox from SS 2018. Dress by Stella McCartney.
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

My favourite hat of the day is the draped, pleated salmon pink turban worn by Doria Ragland. The design strongly references an African head wrap while brilliantly updating the turban shape in a fresh, modern and very flattering way.  The fabric draped hat, which I strongly suspect was designed by Stephen Jones, has such a different sense of volume and fluidity than Doria’s streamlined dress and coat in the same fabric, the pieces compliment without looking overly matched.

Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, elder sisters of the late Princess Diana, were included in the family photograph (a statement in an of itself). Jane wore an almond straw fedora with gently curved brim and black ribbon hatband while Sarah’s modified cloche in cream straw features an ostrich feather wrap and pink piped looping side bow.

What do you think of the hats today at Windsor Castle?

Photos from Getty and social media as indicated 

Trooping The Colour 2019: Wales Family

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The entire Wales family attended today’s Trooping the Colour celebration in London. The Duchess of Cornwall topped her mint coat with her ecru straw sideswept hat with angular crown and wide, sidesweeping brim. The hat is trimmed with a cream hatband with folded edges that create the look of monochrome stripes, and a spray of cream feathers and layered lace floral applique cutouts.

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The hat is impeccably finished and the lace trim adds a delicate touch that balances so well with the angular lines of the hat and links with the lace trimming Camilla’s coat. It’s a great look for her.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress and coat by Bruce Oldfield.
Previously Worn: June 20, 2018; May 22, 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge repeated a large shaped saucer hat in cream straw. The double layered hat features an organic, sharp sidesweep in a fluted curve that reveals lavish trimming of straw twists and pale yellow silk roses on the underside. It’s a great statement piece with wonderful movement and scale that is tamed by its soft colour scheme- a palate that looks wonderful against Kate’s dark hair.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress by Alexander McQueen.
Previously Worn: May 19, 2018

The Duke of Sussex, who holds the senior ranks of Major in the British Army and Royal Marines, Squadron Leader in the Air Force, and Lieutenant Commander in the British Navy, was in uniform (I believe that of his regiment, the Blues and Royals) with with peaked forage cap.

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The Duchess of Sussex wore a navy straw teardrop beret percher trimmed in pointed ribbons of navy and white crin that form a loose knot on the side of the hat. Several blogs are reporting it as the same hat she wore to Princess Eugenie’s wedding but they are different-  if you look at the straw bases, the previously worn hat appears to be fairly round shape with little height in a textured straw (parasisal maybe?) while today’s hat has a teardrop shape with slightly higher, domed top in a more finely woven straw. While it is a little curious to choose two hats that are so similar, this is a streamlined design that tied well to Meghan’s cream sleeved dress.

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Designer: Noel Stewart. Dress and coat by Givenchy
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new

While not in hats, several additional familiar faces from the Wales family were spotted, excitedly watching the parade through the front windows of Buckingham Palace. So sweet.
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So- what do you think of this group of hats on the Waleses?
Photos from Getty as indicated

Tindall Christening

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I’m a bit torn about posting this event as it was a private one… but my love for Zara’s hat is spurring me forward so here goes. Members of the British royal family gathered at St Nicholas Church in Cherington, Gloucestershire, yesterday for the christening of Mike and Zara Tindall’s second daughter, Lena. Zara wore a wonderful magenta felt teardrop percher hat trimmed with a large stylized flower with trailing petals and centered with a button. I adore the bright pop of colour, particularly coordinated with her fantastic shoes.

Designer: Bridget Robbins (The Cotswold Milliner). It is the “Elizabeth” design.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Queen Elizabeth repeated her ecru, pink and pale blue woven silk wool coat and hat with diagonal crown, trimmed with delicate wired sequin flower trim. Yesterday’s grey skies don’t show the beautiful dimension and shades of blue and pink that shine through this fabric (jump over to previous wearings to see how lovely it is).

Designer: Angela Kelly. Made by Stella McLaren.
Previously Worn: Aug 19, 2018; May 9, 2017;  Feb 28, 2017; Sep 11, 2016; Sep 6, 2015; May 20, 2015; Dec 30, 2014, Apr 30, 2013

Princess Anne topped her camel coat with a two toned straw hat trimmed in feathers. I suspect this may be a remodeled version of the hat below we’ve seen Anne wear a few times- the toast hued crown and cream sideswept brim appear to be the same colours and shapes- with a changeover of feather trim. We’ll have to wait for a better look at this hat to verify if it’s a remodel (something Anne seldom does) or an entirely new design.

UPDATE- This was (surprisingly), a new hat for Princess Anne! See it at its next outing on April 22, 2019 for a much better view.


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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: this hat is new

Autumn Phillips repeated a black velour felt beret base percher hat trimmed with looped bow and feather. It’s a good counterpoint for Autumn’s vibrant blue coat, the dark hue grounding the look and the smaller footprint of the brimless design pairing well with the oversized collar. Dressing in between seasons can be tough and this look, like Zara’s, combines some spring colour with winter practicality for a stylish look. It’s also lovely to see that Savannah and Isla Phillips and big sister Mia Tindall were included in the day’s events.

Designer: Whiteley. Karen Millen coat.
Previously Worn: Aug 26, 2018

The Duchess of Sussex repeated her black felt formed beret hat. The simple design isn’t terribly exciting but well-suited to a private, family event in the country such as this.

Designer: I suspect Stephen Jones. Coat is 1960s Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture.
Previously Worn: Nov 11, 2018

Thoughts about the hats at this lovely family event yesterday?

Photos from Getty as indicated

British Royals In New Hats For Commonwealth Day

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Members of the British Royal Family celebrated their wider Commonwealth family today, attending the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey today as they have in years past. The Queen led her family in her repeated her royal purple felt hat with square crown, upfolded kettle brim and dark purple velvet hatband with updated dark purple silk flower trim.

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It’s good to see the updated trim in closer detail here- the purple silk flowers create a more refined overall look that ties beautifully with the coat’s velvet trim and the starkness the former white irises gave to the look has disappeared.

UPDATE: Looking at this hat side by side with its original version, it seemed that more was changed than just the trim but confirmation from the hatmaker herself that the crown height is unchanged leaves me cursing at camera angles and the optical illusions they seem to have created here.

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Designer: Angela Kelly. Made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: Jan 13, 2019; Oct 23, 2018; Mar 6, 2018; Dec 7, 2017; Nov 24, 2016

The Duchess of Cornwall was also in royal purple with a new, brimless hat. The helmet shape, with gently rounded edges, is trimmed with purple goose biot feathers.

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We see Camilla in so many wide brimmed hats and it’s great to see her play with a brimless shape, particularly one as unusual as this. Is it my favourite design on her? No- I’m not a fan of its clunky mushroom shape but the colour is divine and the spiky feathers play down the helmet vibe well. Combined with Camilla’s stunning velvet coat, the overall look is rather regal- perhaps a case of ‘coat saves hat’ here?

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Bruce Oldfield dress and coat.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Cambridge topped her red coat with a new felt raised saucer hat, simply trimmed with a stitched bow on the side. While it seems like a fine hat, the more I look at it, the less I like it. The bow, while beautifully stitched, errs a little toward twee territory and the design forces placement smack on the middle of the head, which doesn’t always pair well with Kate’s oval face. Maybe I just prefer the pillbox originally worn with this coat?

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Designer: I suspect custom Lock & Co. Coat by Catherine Walker. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Sussex topped her cream and green floral dress and cream coat with a cream pillbox/Fez. It’s the first hat of this shape we’ve seen on Meghan and while the colour contrasted beautifully against her hair, I’m less certain about the sharply angular lines of the hat, particularly with this ensemble. Something here, between the crisp hat, the textured coat and the flowing dress, feels out of balance. Too much cream, perhaps? Maybe a spray of green silk flowers and feathers on one side of this hat would do the trick?

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Designer: Other blogs are reporting it as a Jane Taylor felt design but a close look at the hat shows it is covered in fabric with a very fine textured stripe so I think it’s a bespoke design. Coat and dress by Victoria Beckham.
Previously Worn: This hat is new
These types of royal events, which trot out a parade of hats, are always enjoyable to see (and what a great kickoff to the Cheltenham races this week!)
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Photos from Getty as indicated