An Evolution of The Queen's Hat at Royal Ascot

Over the years, the Queen’s worn many hats – both literally and figuratively – of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s reported that she’s donned more than 5,000 of them. And there’s always much speculation in the press about what she’ll be wearing next. From helmet hats to turban hats, pillboxes to wide-brimmed, the Queen’s hat choices are anything but boring. To keep things fun, they’re nearly always adorned with feathers, flowers or bows.

There aren’t many people in their 90s who could still be called fashion icons, but the reigning English monarch and Head of State draws attention wherever she goes – and not just because of her position. Her eye-catching lime green outfit at the recent Royal wedding earned almost as much discussion as the bride’s dress. The ensemble was, of course, completed with a perfectly matched lime silk tweed hat, topped with a purple sinamay with handmade lace crystals and pearls.

It’s not just hats the queen loves but horses too. It’s no surprise then that she’s been an enthusiastic attendee at the Royal Ascot racecourse for many years. As a princess, she attended with her mother and sister, and since the beginning of her reign in 1952, the Queen hasn’t missed the June festivities once.

But while the Queen’s attention might be on whether any of her own horses has a chance of winning the Gold Cup, for many the most anticipated aspect of Ascot is the kind of hat her majesty will wear.

In celebration of her love of hats – and her 66 years of Royal Ascot appearances – we’ve created an eye-catching tribute fit for a Queen.

Which is your favourite?