Prince Carlos and Princess Annemarie of Bourbon-Parma christened their younger daughter Princess Cecilia at the Cathedral of Piacenza in Northern Italy yesterday. For this special day, Princess Annemarie wore the most delicate cream silk rose fascinator trimmed with lace and fine net tulle. I thought she looked absolutely exquisite.
Little Princess Cecelia wore a bonnet of what looks like antique Battenburg lace. I thought she looked very sweet and suspect that her older sister Luisa’s sour face below was because she was forced to attend the event without a hat.
Prince Carlos’ sister, Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parama, arrived with their aunt, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. Princess Margarita wore a pale pink pouf fascinator that coordinated with her coat and lace sheath. It was not the most exciting of headpieces but somehow, it worked with her ensemble. Princess Beatrix wore a very pretty melon-hued picture hat with upturned brim, ruched band around the crown and large side bow. The hat alone, I quite like. The hat with the sorbet-striped tunic and skirt however, was a little too…. orange. I suppose for a member of the House of Orange, this may not be an unwelcome criticism! Prince Carlos’ aunt, Princess Marie of Bourbon-Parama (pictured below right with Carlos’ brother Prince Jaime and sister-in-law Princess Victoria) was also in pink. Her hat defied gravity with a sharply angled brim and large side pouf bow. I loved how it coordinated with her chic bobbed haircut although I think the fur cuffs on her suit are horrid. Fur and pink jacquard together is never a good idea.
Prince Carlos’ other aunt, Princess Cecilia of Bourbon-Parma (I suppose she must be who they named the baby after) wore a vibrant blue pleated straw and flowered headpiece. This headpiece left me scratching my own head as it did not seem to relate to her ornately patterned suit. I think the mix of swirls, scrolls, pleats and flowers was a little too much for one outfit- especially an outfit that looked like it was attending a Christmas soiree from the neck down and a garden party from the neck up.
Despite these quirks, it was lovely to see members of the Bourbon-Parma family who we don’t see that often. It was also lovely to see this family so happy to christen their little daughter (a daughter who arrived early and spent many weeks in hospital). As we offer our best wishes to this family, I ask you, dear readers, which of the royal christening hats did you like best on this day?
Photos from Albert Nieboer, Albert Nieboer, Albert Nieboer, Albert Nieboer, Albert Nieboer, Albert Nieboer, and Albert Nieboer, all via Corbis
We saw so many hats worn by members in the House of Orange this year that we need to break this review into two parts! First, we’ll look at all of the hats and headpieces worn by the Dutch princesses. Please click on each photo to link to larger views and detailed information on each hat.
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While a number of European royal houses no longer reign (or even exist) in their home countries, there are still very close ties between the European Royal Families. And most importantly, they still wear hats!
Royal Hats 