Elaborate Hats – The Regal Accessory of the British Royal Family

The British Royal Family boasts not only a rich history but also a penchant for fashion accessories that exude regality, especially the elaborate and artistic hats.

Even if not a member of the royal family, attending events hosted by the British monarchy mandates donning a hat. It’s an unspoken rule that guests, especially women, must wear hats to demonstrate respect for the royal household and assert their own nobility.

Throughout British history, hats and headscarves have been essential for the aristocracy. It all began with an official decree in 1952, stating that hats must be worn when entering a church to show reverence to God. Since then, it’s rare to see English women in public without a hat, as they believe revealing their hair in public is improper.

With numerous unspoken fashion rules, the British Royal Family upholds standards to maintain decorum and uphold the traditional values of the kingdom. Hence, wearing hats at formal events remains customary.

However, not every hat from a store or brand meets royal standards. To exude class and sophistication, a “standard” hat usually features intricate designs, handcrafted with expensive materials, and is often worn only once.

Wide-brimmed Hats: A favorite of the Queen, these hats with a square crown of medium height, in vibrant colors (ton-sur-ton with the outfit) and bold patterns, ensure she stands out, reinforcing her status as the most powerful woman in the British Royal Family. The Queen’s dressmakers have a designated milliner, and the cost of each hat ranges from £310 to £1,100.

Face-veil Hats: A popular choice among female members of the royal family, the veil adds an air of mystery and sophistication to their appearance. Princess Diana particularly favored small, classic veiled hats designed by John Boyd, perfectly complementing her youthful beauty.

Fascinators: With a smaller contact area with the hair and a focus on intricate designs, fascinators are the “modern” choice for Duchess Kate. Seen as a breath of fresh air in royal fashion, Kate favors modern, intricately designed fascinators that maintain her dignified status without losing her youthful spirit.

Pillbox Hats: Considered a rebel in the realm of the British Royal Family, Duchess Meghan tends to opt for pillbox hats. While a senior royal, she often appeared in neutral-colored pillbox hats, such as black, grey, or brown, rarely embellished with bold patterns or intricate designs.

In conclusion, hats remain an integral part of British royal fashion, serving as symbols of tradition, sophistication, and status for both the wearers and the observer.