For the May 22, 2004 wedding of the Prince of Asturias and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, the Dutch royal family were represented by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Máxima (as were their titles at the time), Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien. Princess Laurentien wore a very pretty straw hat with a wide, curved brim in sea foam green. The hat was unique as the crown extended under the brim, forming a sort of headband around Laurentien’s head. It is a hat I thought suited her very well but unfortunately, was completely lost against the horrible burgundy net wrap and multiple strand necklace she wore. Had those two items been replaced with a tailored pale green or cream coat, the full elegance and beauty of this hat would have shone.
Princess Máxima was undeniably included among the best dressed guests at this wedding in an exquisite blush embroidered dress, pink coat and pink hat. The hat, designed by Fabienne Delvigne, featured a huge, upturned two-layer brim with rough, frayed edges. The unfinished edges of the hat created a most beautifully delicate effect (an oximoron to be sure) and provided both contrast and compliment to Máxima’s dress and coat. The hat is a very haute couture look but one that I think Máxima carried off magnificently and stunningly well.
Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon Parma, pictured here with her brother Prince Jaime, wore a large cream straw hat with downward curving mushroom brim. The hat was trimmed with a large spray of straw flowers and leaves on the side and provided a neutral accent to her vibrant coral and orange ensemble.
Stay tuned tomorrow as we look at the hats worn by remaining royal guests at this grand wedding.
Photos from A. Jones/J. Whatling/J. Parker/M. Cuthbert, Jones/J. Whatling/J. Parker/M. Cuthbert, A. Jones/J. Whatling/J. Parker/M. Cuthbert, and Lalo Yasky via Getty
Earlier this summer, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands débuted a spectacular burgundy picture hat with square crown and large mushroom shaped brim trimmed in wide grosgrain ribbon. So far, she has paired this hat, designed by Belgian milliner Fabienne Delvigne, with three ensembles to create distinctly different looks. Which outfit do you think works best with this dramatic hat?
June 12th marked the 10 year anniversary of the baptism of Princess Amalia of the Netherlands. How time flies! Her christening was such a beautiful royal hat event, it bears revisiting.
Royal Hats 