Trooping the Colour 2024

Trooping the Colour took place in London today, officially celebrating the birthday of King Charles III.  The event featured over 1,400 soldiers and officers, 200 horses and more than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums.

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Queen Camilla repeated her ecru straw hat with angular crown and wide, sidesweeping brim. The hat is trimmed with a finely pleated cream and the most delicate lace applique cutout flowers

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Milliner:  Philip Treacy. Dress and coat by Anna Valentine.
Previously Worn: Jun 3, 2022Jun 8, 2019June 20, 2018May 22, 2018

The Princess of Wales wore a wide brimmed saucer with central, shallow black straw crown and white sinamay extended brim, trimmed with a statement black feather. It’s a great hat made ever better by Kate looking so well.

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Milliner: OC155 from SS 2024 by Philip Treacy. Dress by Jenny Packham.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a yellow crepe covered teardrop percher with bow and veil.

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Milliner: Persephone by Jane Taylor. Dress by Beulah London
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Louise Windsor wore a hat her mum first wore to Royal Ascot last year, a blue parasisal straw saucer trimmed with feathers, jinsin loops, blue silk leaves and handmade silk pansies.

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Milliner: Jane Taylor with flowers made by Anne Tomlin. Dress by Susannah London and Rachel Levy
Previously Worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh: Jun 22, 2023

The Duchess of Gloucester debuted a circular, open crowned hat in pale oyster pinokpok with flat bow around the back.

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Milliner: Calypso Halo by Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Frederick Windsor was photographed today in the Office of the Major-General, at the Horse Guards Building,  in a navy veiled bandeau headpiece.

Milliner: Emily London. Dress by Beulah London
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

Lady Gabriella Kingston was also spotted watching the event in what looks like a pillbox percher with bow. I know many of you join me in wishing her well after the loss of her husband.

Thoughts about these hats toady in rainy London?

Images from Getty and social media as indicated 

Royal Hat Round Up

Numerous royal hats have been worn over the past month:
April 22: Princess Benedikte repeated her sky blue felt hat with pinched fedora crown and sharply upfolded brim on one side.

April 28: Empress Masako wore a short brimmed cream silk covered hat for the Midori Prize Ceremony.

April 30: King Carl Gustaf and Prince Carl Philip in uniform caps at the king’s birthday celebrations
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April 30: Crown Princess Mary in a new plaited bandeau by Tasmaian milliner Haidee Neall for the 75th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in Denmark.
May 4: Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko departed Japan to travel to London for the coronation, Princess Kiko wore a blue hat that’s recently undergone a design change.
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May 9: Queen Máxima repeated a blush silk abaca calot headpiece studded with tiny beads on the first day of a visit to Wadden Islands.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne.  Claes Iversen suit and Burberry raincoat.
Previously Worn: Jan 31, 2023; Sep 15, 2017Nov 3, 2016;  Oct 25, 2015 Apr 2, 2014 

May 10: Princess Hanako in a lovely pale pink brimmed hat for the Asia-Pacific Festival & Charity Bazaar.

May 10: For the second day of a visit to Wadden Islands, Queen Máxima repeated a headpiece of black silk rosettes studded with gold feathers and a small black birdcage net tulle veil.

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Designer: Laura Noetinger. Zara suit and Natan Coat.  
Previously Worn: Oct 8, 2015; April 13, 2011May 4, 2009

May 11: For the start of the Italian state visit to Norway, Queen Sonja repeated her taupe leather pillbox.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne.  
Previously Worn: May 25, 2022; Sep 6, 2016

Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore a new brimmed hat in pale pink straw braid.

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Designer: unknown. Natan cape and Valentino dress.  
Previously Worn: This hat is new

May 11: Queen Máxima attended the B for Goods Leaders Summit conference in Amsterdam in a repeated pleated red turban.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Natan. 
Previously Worn: Sep 19, 2021; Oct 16, 2018; March 20, 2015.

May 12: Lady Louise Windsor took part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show in a repeated a dark blue felt fedora with leather hatband and feather trim.

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Designer:  Hayfield England. Stella McCartney Coat. 
Previously Worn: May 14, 2022 
Previously Worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh: July 3, 2021

May 14 : Lady Louise Windsor enjoying the Royal Windsor Horse Show in her mum’s camel felt fedora with feather hatband.

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Designer:  Suffolk Fedora in Camel from Hicks & Brown
Previously Worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh: Dec 22, 2019; Aug 25, 2019Dec 23, 2018May 14, 2018

May 15: Princess Akiko in a pale cloche with short brim for the Aoi Festival

May 16: Queen Máxima repeated a warm brown straw picture hat with high upswept slice brim to open the Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen.

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Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. Claes Iversen dress​
Previously Worn: Sep 15, 2021;  Jul 7, 2021;  Jul 2, 2019;  May 25, 2018;  Feb 18, 2017; Nov 28, 2016Nov 1, 2016; Sep 14, 2016; Jun 2, 2016; Apr 21, 2016Mar 10, 2016

May 16: King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited Kalmar County as part of King Carl-Gustaf’s Jubilee celebrations. The king wore his Borsalino tan fedora to plant an Öland oak tree in the City Park.

May 17: Princess Anne was in uniform for the Passing Out Parade of First Aid Nursing Yeomanry

May 18: The Duchess of York in a green jeweled headband from The Party Papillon.

May 18: King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia opened the “Jubilee exhibition in glass” exhibition at Solliden Castle, the king in his Borsalino tan fedora.

May 18: Empress Masako, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko and Princess Hisako all attended the annual Japanese Red Cross Society national convention.

May 18: National Day in Norway saw King Herald and Crown Prince Haakon in top hats, Queen Sonja in a white rounded pillbox and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in her gold Prada headband woven with a pink ribbon.

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May 22: Princess Benedikte repeated her navy straw hat with upfolded brim and floral trim for her namesake race at Klampenborg Gallop Track.

May 24: Empress Masako in a sharp navy and white hat for the 50th anniversary memorial service for WWII sailors.

Which hats here stand out most to you?

Images from social media as indicated 

The Coronation: The Working British Royal Family

Full time working members of the British royal family featured prominently at Saturday’s coronation, no doubt in recognition for the considerable support they provide the monarchy.

 

 

The Prince of Wales wore the deep blue velvet mantle and gold collar of the Royal Order of the Garter over the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh guards, complete with cap.

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The Princess of Wales wore a bespoke white silk gown embroidered in roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks beneath the deep blue and scarlet robes and gold collar awarded her as Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). Her halo bandeau headpiece is made of silk flowers and leaves embroidered in silver bullion and crystal which, according to Vogue, is a “nod to… the Green Man. An ancient figure from British folklore, the Green Man symbolizes spring and rebirth. He wears a crown of oak, ivy, and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers.”

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It feels like a modern take on a tiara- the shape and scale certainly follows that of a traditional tiara while the embroidered leaves and flowers gives the piece the most intricate dimension and a decidedly contemporary feel. The collaboration of milliner and designer created a piece (and Charlotte’s mini version) that are exquisite and impeccably made,  and will undoubtedly, stand the test of time.

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Designer: Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen. Dress and cape Alexander McQueen.

As one of four Pages of Honour for the king, Prince George wore a knee-length scarlet coat with gold trimmings over an ivory satin waistcoat, and white silk shirt with jabot. Originally made by Ede and Ravenscroft during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, these items were tailored for this coronation. Instead of traditional breeches and stockings, the pages wore more modern black naval trousers.

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Princess Charlotte dazzled in a scaled down version of her mother’s ensemble, a white silk dress with pleated cape embroidered with the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock quartet of United Kingdom national flowers. Her headpiece featured the same beautifully delicate embroidered leaves and flowers as those on her mum’s, scaled down perfectly for her.

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Designer: Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen. Dress and cape Alexander McQueen.

Concluding the Wales children’s patriotic red, white and blue ensembles was Prince Louis in a navy Hainsworth Garter Blue Doeskin Tunic and black pants with Garter Blue Stripe.

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The Duke of Edinburgh wore the Order of the Garter regalia, including black velvet hat with white ostrich plume.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh wore Grand Cross Mantles of the Royal Victorian Order atop a spectacular gown embroidered with British meadow flowers. Her gown was inspired by the1953 coronation regalia and gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II and also the incredible work of ceramic artist Rachel Dein. Made by British label Suzannah London, the gown was embroidered by master embroiderer Jenny King.

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Sophie wore a headpiece of “Hand made satin leaves set on a headband and encrusted with Swarovski crystals, to match the lace by @jennykingembroidery on the gown made by @suzannahlondon Silver plated snowdrops cast in English silver especially made for this bespoke piece. Silver work by @eilyoconnelljewellery.” Credit is also due to British master flower maker Svetlana Faulkner, who made all of the white silk petal leaves on this design. The movement, circling around Sophie’s head, is so striking.

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Designer: Svetlana Faulkner (PresentPerfect Creations)  and Eily O Connell for Jane Taylor. Gown by Suzannah London with lace by Jenny King Embroidery.

Lady Louise Windsor wore a soft periwinkle saucer hat with windowpane brim, trimmed with curled bows. It is the first wide brimmed hat we have seen on her and together with her floral dress, it makes such a lovely ensemble.

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Designer: “Pomona” by Jane Taylor. Dress by Suzannah London
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Earl of Wessex donned a black top hat for the first time for the carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace.

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The Princess Royal arrived at Westminster Abbey in the uniform of her rank of Colonel of the Blues and Royals, with black bicorn hat trimmed with a scarlet vertical feather. Atop this she wore the dark green Order of the Thistle Mantle and gold collar, and Garter Sash, Garter Star, Thistle Star, GCVO Star, KCVO Star and Companion of the Order of the Bath decorations.

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Princess Anne explained her role in the procession back to Buckingham Palace recently during an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Company“I have a role as the Colonel of the Blues and Royals in the Household Cavalry regiment as Gold Stick. And Gold Stick was the original close protection officer. So that is a role I was asked if I’d like to do for this coronation, so I said yes. Not least of all, it solves my dress problem.”  Indeed!

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Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence wore the uniform and cap of his naval rank.

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The Duke of Kent wore the mantle and collar of the Royal Order of the Garter while his sister, Princess Alexandra, wore the Grand Cross Mantles and collar of the Royal Victorian Order.

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The Duke of Gloucester wore the black velvet hat with white ostrich plume of the Order of the Garter (along with the Garter mantle and gold collar). Duchess of Gloucester wore a white silk bandeau headpiece trimmed in white cut feathers and a bow at the side. Like the Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra, she wore a white gown beneath the Grand Cross Mantles and collar of the Royal Victorian Order.

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Designer of the Duchess’ headpiece: unknown

There was clearly a communicated dress code for the royal women (excluding Princess Anne in her unique role) and the unity of white gowns and headpieces (again, with one exception) made a striking group.

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Images from Getty as indicated 

British Royal Family on Christmas Day 2022

As in years past, members of the British royal family spent Christmas at Sandringham and attended a morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.

The annual walk to church was led by King Charles and the Queen Consort with Queen Camilla in a striking new hat. Covered in the same denim blue wool as her coat, the beret shape is wonderfully trimmed with a halo stripe of ostrich feathers.

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Camilla has added several beret hats to her wardrobe this fall and all have been excellent. The colour of this design is magnificent on her and the feather trim a great counterpoint to her streamlined coat. What’s not to love about a halo of ostrich feathers?!

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Cashmere coat and dress by Anna Valentine.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Princess of Wales was also in a new hat, a wide brimmed fedora in the most luxurious loden green felt. The design is trimmed with a braid embellished hatband, flat folded bow and tall pheasant feather.

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The look is so chic on Kate, the fedora’s extended brim and beautiful trim elevating its presence, formality and elegance. Coordinating the shades of green on the coat and hat’s trim is a masterful styling move that pulls the overall look together. It’s just so good.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Coat by Alexander McQueen
Previously Worn: This hat is new. 

Princess Beatrice wore a bottle green dyed felt teardrop percher with silk rose and curved pheasant feather. The colour and scale are lovely on her, although the colour disparity between coat and hat made them an unsuccessful pairing for me.

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Designer: Somerset Millinery “Jane” design. Coat by Shrimps.
Previously Worn: This hat is new.

Princess Eugenie wore a headpiece described by its milliner as a “cream designer headpiece in stunning hand-smocked silk.” The detail on this design is lovely, although its colour and fabric at closer view feel more suited to summer than winter.

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Designer: Emily London “Cressida” design. Coat by Weekend Max Mara.
Previously Worn: this headpiece is new. 

The Countess of Wessex topped a wide collar cashmere coat with a wide brimmed hat in similarly hued felt. The design features a pork pie crown and the brim has a subtle turn-up around the back. The hat is trimmed with two overlapping stripes of ribbon on one side over which is the milliner’s logo (a little too large and prominently placed, in my opinion, to not look like an obvious advertisement). As for the overall look… to quote a much loved and repeated comment here on Royal Hats, “it’s a whole lot of biscuit.”

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Designer: Jane Taylor. Coat by Joseph
Previously Worn: This hat is new.

Lady Louise Windsor wore a navy felt trilby trimmed with a wonderful pair of silk bows on one side. The scale and youthful trim is lovely on her.

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Designer: Jane Taylor “Midnight Trilby with Bows” design. Roland Mouret coat and Ralph Lauren dress. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new.

Zara Tindall topped a black and white herringbone coat with a burgundy felt percher hat trimmed with silk flowers and cut-out felt leaves. It’s a great look for Zara, the burgundy accessories adding a great punch of colour to the ensemble.  I adore how Mia and Lena’s jewel-toned headbands coordinated with their mum’s look. So sweet.

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Designer: Juliette Botterill. Coat by LK Bennett.
Previously Worn: This hat is new. 

Lady Sarah Chatto repeated a deep navy cloche with extended brim in textured poly straw. It’s a versatile piece that has stood the test of time for Sarah.

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Designer: unknown. My guess is Stephen Jones. 
Previously Worn: Dec 24, 2017; Dec 25, 2015; Dec 25, 2013; Mar 23, 2008Dec 25, 2001; Dec 25, 2000 (I believe there is also a black version of this hat worn Jan 5, 2005; Apr 19, 2002; Feb 15, 2002)

There are some lovely jewel toned designs that made their debut this Christmas. Which ones stand out to you?

Images from Getty as indicated 

Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: Family

The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held yesterday with services at Westminster Abbey and St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress by Fiona Clare Couture. 

The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence

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The Earl and Countess of Wessex

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Designer: Jane Taylor. Coat by Suzannah London.
The Prince and Princess of Wales

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Designer: Sean Barrett. Coatdress by Alexander McQueen.

Princess Charlotte

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Designer: Child Classic Boater in Black by Jane Taylor. Black Wool Coat by Ancar. 

The Duchess of Sussex

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Designer: Stephen Jones. Dress by Stella McCartney.

Princess Beatrice

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Designer: Mesh Pillbox Hat by Sarah Cant. Louis Vuitton dress and The Kooples jacket. 

Princess Eugenie

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Designer: ‘Alvaro’ boater by Emily London. Dress by Day Birger et Mikkelsen.

Lady Louise Windsor

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Designer: Diana Headband in Black Crepe by Jane Taylor. Dress by Theory.

Zara Tindall

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Designer: Juliette Botterill. Coat by Laura Green London.

Savannah Phillips, Isla Phillips and Mia Tindall

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Lady Sarah Chatto

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Designer: Stephen Jones

Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones

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Designer: Rachel Trevor Morgan

 

Hats worn to the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Extended British Royal Family 

Hats worn to the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Royal Guests

Hats worn to the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Noble and Notable Guests