Here in the offices of The Weekly, we love a royal bash. Whether it be a wedding, or gala, or a christening, there’s nothing like a party with the royals. There are tiaras, beautiful gowns (and beautiful people), sometimes a spat or two, and there’s royal hats.
From pretty fascinators, gigantic saucers, and ruffled feathers, the ongoing royal hat competition between the monarchies of the world has kept us entertained for years. Who can forget Princess Beatrice’s spaghetti hat at Kate and Wills’ wedding? Or Duchess Kate’s elegant fascinators?
To celebrate our love of royal headwear, we’ve compiled a list of the best … and the ugliest.
Hats remain compulsory at Royal Ascot Racecourse. This elegant do is one of our favourites.
Anneka Tanaka Svenska’s peripheral vision needed to work extra hard on race day.
Model Eliza Cortez settled opted for a super-sized rose bud.
Zara Phillips and Princess Michael of Kent negotiate their ways around their hats to greet each other.
Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York.
The birds’ view.
A hilarious champagne number.
With gift boxes stacked at the back!
These racegoers go bold.
The effect from this yellow tulle number with matching dress is stunning.
Jackie Sinclair and her huge feathered butterfly hat.
Designer Anouska Lancaster opted for a peacock feather design which brings a classic feel to the novel shape.
This hat compliments the feminine outfit with a statement.
This gorgeous purple number must be borderline in the prohibition of fascinators.
The simplicity of the straw hat with the elaborate feathers makes for a chic effect.
This incredible hat wraps around the entire head.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex could be said to be a pusher of millinery boundaries. This tipsy-turvy hat with animal print feathers is certainly interesting.
But she doesn’t always get it right…
Princess Mette-Marit of Norway always gets it right, with her delicate fascinators.
As exemplified here.
Nothing like a tiny UFO saucer for a royal wedding, eh, Lady Sarah Chatto?
Princess Beatrice of York never takes the normal hat route. This Alexander McQueen piece was a good look.
But the orange peels probably weren’t.
Sisters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were compared (not unfairly…) to the evil stepsisters in Cinderella for these Royal Wedding get ups.
Prince William’s cousins, Ladies Kitty, Eliza and Amelia Spencer went a similar flouncy fascinator route for their royal appearances.
Princess Charlene’s wide brimmed hat was as elegant a choice as any.
But the worst Royal Wedding hat probably goes to Italian Princess Camilla Cruciani.
We can see an asymmetrical pattern emerging with our favourite Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
She’s certainly come a long way from her first royal hat!
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, doesn’t usually stray from her derby hat style.
Sometimes she adds a bow, though.
Or some ribbon!
Princess Eugenie’s neon green circle hat was an interesting choice.
We love Queen Silvia’s elegant rose and ribbon twist.
Crown Princess Mary loves her cocktail pieces.
Don’t forget the boys. Prince Harry does a good hat, too!
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