And there's a lot of them
It goes without saying that if you're a part of the royal family, your hat game needs to be strong. From Princess Diana's bold colourful choices through to the Queen's infamous EU hat, they're important pieces that can make both fashion and political statements all at the same time. When it comes to topping off her looks, Kate Middleton's got the art of hat dressing mastered and we've put together a little selection of her best throughout the years.
While she hasn't gone full Queen Elizabeth and chosen an anti-Brexit hat, she does however weave politics into her looks. Whenever she and Prince William jet off on tour, she generally chooses pieces that are subtle, classy nods to that country. From her unforgettable maple leaf hats in Canada through to her Parisian chic Lock and Co piece in 2016, she's a master of saying a lot without saying too much - if you know what we mean.
We always love it when she branches out and goes for something more experimental, whether she's opting for an oversized heart hat or a sherbet fascinator on one of the most colourful days of the year. As her style has matured over the years, we've also noticed she's been choosing to match the colour of her hat to her outfit: an easy tip for those of you struggling to pull a hat trick.
Where to buy Kate Middleton hats
It seems as though Kate has a few favourite brands she turns to when it comes to her choice of accessories. Jane Taylor is a big love of hers as well as Lock and Co, though she’s been known to fancy a good Philip Treacy hat - joining the ranks of celebrity fans like Lady Gaga.
Unfortunately, many of Kate’s hats are sold out but we’ve managed to lock down a few that are still available or find similar styles. Just - uh - be prepared to break the bank if you want a Kate original. In fact, somebody even bought two hats that Kate Middleton had worn at auction, fetching an eye-watering £7000...we might pass on that.
St Patrick's Day Parade, 2018 Kate dressed appropriately for the greenest holiday of the year, choosing a Gina Meribel hat to match with her monochrome look. It’s actually a piece she must have pulled out from the back of her closet as she had previously worn it for St Paddy’s Day in 2014 - if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Credit: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Trooping the Colour, 2017 While most people’s eyes were fixed on the rainbow jets soaring through the skies, we had our eyes on Kate’s punchy pink look. Yet again, she called on her pals at Alexander McQueen for her dress and Jane Taylor for her hat for a matchy-matchy ensemble that was anything but boring. Credit: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock
Different colour way, available in custom colours on request.
Christmas Day, 2017 On Christmas Day last year, Kate wrapped up warm in a tartan coat and one of the fuzziest hats we’ve ever seen. She stepped out in this very Russian accessory made from alpaca from Peruvian Connection, it’s called the Vallnord Alpaca Fur Hat and it’s still available online if you’re so inclined. Credit: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Royal Ascot, 2017 Although Kate usually errs on the side of simplicity, this complex hat was a bold choice for the Duchess and we’re super into it. Combining lace, florals and a bow, the oversized fascinator was the perfect addition to her romantic dress. Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Easter Day, 2017 Kate took a leaf out of another famous politician’s book for this look: namely, former First Lady Jackie O. Unsurprisingly, the pillbox hat by Lock and Company is called the ‘Jacqueline’ hat and features a gorgeous satin bow at the base of it. Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Pippa Middleton’s Wedding, 2017 Now this entire outfit was a LOOK, but it was Kate’s powder pink hat that stole the show for us. Matched to the exact shade of her Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton dress, the hat was made for her by one of her regular milliners Jane Taylor. Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Belfast Garden Party, 2016 This gorgeous hat by Lock & Co brought the whimsical garden party vibes when Kate and Will stepped out in Belfast. It's called the Morning Rose Perching Hat and retailed for about £645, unfortunately it's all sold out now though. Credit: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
We admit it - we really couldn't find anything quite like this hat. But this hat is cool and definitely up Kate's alley...
France, 2016 During a visit to the Thiepval Memorial, Kate chose another Lock & Co hat which toed the line between Parisian elegance and the sombre nature of the event. Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Royal Tour of Ottowa, 2011 It isn’t often that Kate gets playful with her sense of style, but this scarlet hat was a witty nod to Canada’s flag and its iconic maple leaf symbol. (Appropriate given the fact that she and Prince William were there visiting.) Paired with a white dress and red pumps to match, there’s no wonder she was grinning the whole way through. Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Sovereigns Parade, 2006 Cast your mind way back to 2006 and this fierce hat. This sharp, angular hat by Philip Treacy was balanced by the whimsical oversized heart detail on the side - over a decade on, we’re still thinking about it. Credit:
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