I think A and B were the same- the colour looks the same, ribbon hatbands and bows are the same, the size of the brim and the subtle diagonal pattern on its underside are both the same. There appears to be a slightly sharper angle of the raised ‘slice’ brim in hat A but I think could be explained by placement a tiny bit further back Queen Máxima’s head.

Hat C: Here’s where I get confused- another pink straw hat with slice brim worn on a visit to The Hague on October 5, 2011. This hat follows the same shape as Hats AB and has the same woven pattern in the straw of the brim, same width of the brim edging, and same half grosgrain bow trim. What’s different is the colour. Is this a matter of photography or is this a different hat?

Enter Hat D worn just last month. It’s another dull pink picture hat with sweeping, raised brim. You’ll notice that the grosgrain ribbon hatband and half bow are the same, as is the width of the brim edging. Even the placement of Fabienne Delvigne’s logo beside the half bow is the same. What’s different, however is the angle of the raised brim. In fact, the entire curve where the brim meets the crown looks lower on this hat than the ones above. If you look very closely at placement again, you’ll see that Queen Máxima’s eyebrows are nearly invisible here – she has pulled down very low over her forehead. I suppose this could account for the more relaxed look of the brim…. but I’m not sure. Colour here is also an issue but could be explained by the very dull day and the orange cast thrown by Máxima’s dress. See what I mean about confusing?!

So… which hats here are the same?  After staring hours at these photographs, I’m waving away encroaching insanity and will rely on your fresh eyes. Let’s chat.

Photos from Getty as indicated: Albert Nieboer via PPE; Abaca; Corbis; Albert Nieboer via PPE; Michel Porro and Michel Porro via Getty