Royal wedding guest hats Prince William and Catherine Middletons Wedding | Hat wearing dos and donts

Who wore what and how at Prince William and Catherine Middleton's 2011 Royal wedding. There were some stunning hats on display, and some... well... not so good. Find out how to find your perfect hat to match your outfit with London Milliner Ilona Ames.
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[@siobhanmacandrew7068]

So satisfying to have such a ‘frivolous’ fashion item analysed in this serious, expert and absorbing way

[@lap8329]

Interesting how the flawlessly classic look of Jacqueline Kennedy still looks perfectly fresh today, even though it is half a century older than some of the dates 2011 looks.

[@mewtifultomerrow6571]

those two at the end look like Cinderella's wicked stepsisters

[@kayemcmullen]

Wow - how unkind.

[@mewtifultomerrow6571]

@@kayemcmullen no more unkind than the sight was to my eyes

[@k.schmidt2740]

@@kayemcmullen Maybe "unkind" - but I remember think precisely that, when I first saw them arrive at the wedding on that day! It was like watching "Cinderella" being staged.

[@Anna_Key]

​@@mewtifultomerrow6571 right! They sure did.

[@susanjones1887]

Beatrice and Eugenia need someone to help them choose their clothes and their hats.

[@tinajavier8537]

In my country, people do not wear fancy hats. I love hats and just found your channel 2 days ago. I am enjoying it immensely. You talk slowly, explain clearly and work neatly. I checked other millinery vlogs and came to the conclusion that you are the best. Congratulations and keep us inspired!

[@irenedavo3768]

Beatrice and Eugenia looked crazy!

[@angelescantalapiedra238]

I’m loving these hat wearing dos and donts series! Very helpful! Thank you so much, Ilona xx

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Angeles! Thank you so much! 😊 Is there any topic you think I should cover next?

[@angelescantalapiedra238]

@@ByIlonaMillinery Hi Ilona, I’ve been following you ever since I discovered your channel and I’ve enjoyed every single video no matter the topic you covered. Every time you release a new video or do a live, it’s a moment of joy to me. Thank you so much for asking me about my preferences. I would love you continued talking about styling since I have so much to learn about this particular topic; like how to match your hat accordingly with your outfit or what hat style would be the most appropriate in terms of body and face shape or type of event… if that is not asking to much! xx

[@VetsrisAuguste]

I loved Beatrice’s hat then, and I still love it now. What is youth for, if not to express one’s self exuberantly? I think the look beams with optimistic romanticism.

[@staceya5149]

I think you're absolutely right about the press having gone easier on Beatrice and Eugenie if they'd arrived separately. They're both quite fun looks separately. And your hat is absolutely divine in this video -très magnifique!

[@irenedavo3768]

Think Princess Ann should removed her hat!

[@IMAspiringToGrace]

I dunno....I think both Andrews daughters are a bit frumpy no matter what they wear.

[@Anna_Key]

Princes Beatrice is much more stylish since she got married.

[@blackeyedsusan727]

They take after their mother. Some things are forever. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@juliecortes8459]

This is brilliant. I truly enjoy your hat dos and don'ts! Thank you for teaching us how to hide the hat fastening. I needed that 😀

[@WheezyCatLady]

What you said about Beatrice and the other lady (I’m terrible with names) was so interesting. That if they turned up separately the media might have been kinder to them. I think you’re right! When I saw Beatrice’s hat originally (at the time of the event) I thought it was ridiculous. But now you bring my attention to it again, and with what I referenced above, it gives it a new spin. To further add, I think if her makeup was less heavy under her eyes, the hat would have looked a lot more elegant.

[@libbyworkman3459]

@AmeseyPop. Princess Beatrice and princess Eugenie are sisters.

[@susancole6793]

You are absolutely right about Beatrice and Eugenia. I was very disappointed in their appearance, but hearing your analysis and imaging the royals arriving separately made a big difference in my response to their dress and millinary choices. Thank you!

[@cathleenvance4441]

I am absolutely loving this series. It has every fashion component, silhouette, color, body shape, balance. IIona, I have learned so much watching your videos. If I wear a hat to an event, I am re-watching your videos just to make sure I get it right. Oh, and my favorite hat /fashion ensemble was Carole Middleton. I thought her hat was gorgeous and looked so classy. And look at the flawless fit of her garment. I don't think I've ever seen such a perfect fit. And you looked so pretty in your hat. I love the style and how it hugs your head so nicely and the color is beautiful. Sorry for writing so much here. Can't wait for your next video. 👒🎩

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello Cathleen! I love reading such positive comments! So keep on writing 😊

[@terriestapley5475]

I can’t get over how much fun I’m having watching your videos & learning about millinery!! You’re a fabulous designer & an inspirational narrator💐 Thank You, until I discovered your channel I wasn’t aware how interesting hats could be👒

[@joyaroozooolsen2800]

I love your hat. Just like what my mum use to use in the 50’s. Absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@apgx6032]

Beatrice’s hat was slagged because it looked like a large pretzel.

[@Bzcenci812]

As a hat wearer even in societies where it is not usual, I am delighted with these explanations, that I take very much into account. What I like especially is Ilona's elocution: it seems to me that she would sound as nicely if she were reading the telephone directory.

[@Alexandra.Chris.]

I'd love a video series focusing on the hats of one person per video - what have been their best looks and why + stories/facts about the hats/designs. Perhaps the first one could focus on Catherine, Princess of Wales?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello Alexandra! It's like you've read my mind! 😁 Not sure when the release will be, but I have been working on a script 😊👒

[@Alexandra.Chris.]

@By Ilona Millinery Well, they do say that great minds think alike 😉 Wonderful, I can't wait to watch the video when it goes live!

[@beabravo6759]

As a Spaniard I do believe Miriam's outfit was a little too much but thank you for the compliments

[@rhondamoine4550]

Your voice is easy and enjoyable to listen to.

[@TardyGater73]

I was nodding with you until we reached B'a fascinator.Each to their own.

[@NR-eq5kz]

I am glad Ilona had done a great job of explaining the hows of the hats as well as dos and dont of it Its interesting how hats matters for the English in particular. Its really facinating how hats can enhance the beauty of the wearer if I may say. Personally I can only admire and had learn a lot Thanks to Ilona who presentered this most interestingly and so beautifully Looking forward to your next presentation😀

[@patriciaruckman6990]

I'm so glad you explained how the hats are secured to the head; it's always been a mystery to me. Thanks.

[@kelleyhawk6595]

I absolutely love hats. I’m so glad I don’t have to attend those royal gatherings, because I would not be able to keep a poker face seeing some of those hats. 🤭🤯🤭Maybe they would just think I was extremely happy…😂😂😂

[@gerrisavage8432]

Actually IIona I liked your own hat best.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello Gerri! Thank you so much 😊

[@jgfreer8322]

❤Me too!

[@vickinoeske1154]

I simply can not agree with Beatrice's hat choice. It was utterly ridiculous.

[@veronicakennedy6977]

A attention grabber, I hatted it was so ugly.

[@juliarisi8385]

Love hats and I am delighted to have found your channel ,so much interesting insight into dos and don’ts of choosing and how to wear hats. The hat you are wearing is reminiscent of late 40’s early 50’s and looks charming on you. 😊

[@blackeyedlily]

I love when you do these hat critiques! I hope you find more occasions to do them. Perhaps some historical events would work? Or covering a particular style as it has been interpreted throughout history?

[@oddda5956]

I’ve watched the wedding as it happened back in 2011 and I only remember two elements vividly: the upper third/fourth of Catherine’s wedding gown ( don’t care about the skirt, but I still need that delicate lace neckline and sleeves in my own wedding dress to this very day) and Beatrice, so I can absolutely agree on “memorable”. Might be a cultural difference as over here in Italy the dress code for weddings is slightly different, but wearing that here would generate a nearly-unanimous “what the f- is that”.

[@vickilindberg6336]

I didn't care for B's hat but it is something I expect from her. She took advantage of the controversy & later sold the hat for a fortune for charity.

[@jameslovett4184]

TARA SLAAAAAAAAAYED. ICONIC. Bless her.

[@martelvonc]

I loved Princess Beatrice's wedding hat! It was very reminiscent of a historical mirror frame Or heraldic frame and was perfect for her shape and outfit.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Oh yes! I hadn't thought about it that way! Very good spot! 🪞

[@heididepotter8136]

Love the hat you are waring! Thank you for your do and donts

[@Anna_Key]

I thought Princess Beatrice's hat was a lot of fun! I put in a huge bid for it when she auctioned it off after the wedding. I was the lead bidder for a short while and it was fun to be part of it's history.

[@titian-red]

I thought it was very sporting of her to auction it if for charity considering the flak she got for wearing it.

[@andreabartels3176]

She did it right. If I get flak for some piece of clothing, I make some money for my charity by auctioning it off.

[@LaBricoleuse]

My favorite is the Blue Canoe! 💙

[@melbabowen4389]

The entire royal blue outfit, hat and accessories is my favorite outfit of all time, in my opinion.❤

[@janegreen9340]

Princess B - absolutely terrifying the whole look, the heavy eye make-up didn’t help. I thought your dress would have been shorter creating the vintage look, possibly later 1940s, teamed with a hand-knitted waist length cardy and brown lace up, low heeled shoes - adore the hat. (Used to wear a felt cloche in the 1970s.) Great film thanks.

[@kdbee6086]

We had the most fun with Beatrice's hat.

[@s.l.cruson8744]

The dress Eugene wore was a bad shape for her. The hat was okay. The color was wrong for her too.

[@bodon2306]

Excellent!! Very enjoyable.

[@sundaygraphic8576]

Hi Ilona, I'm glad that this video came up on my feed. I actually LIKE Princess Eugenie's hat. In fact, I believe I could ROCK that hat if given the chance. It might over power her a little, but the hat is beautiful, I love this video, and I think I'll watch it a few more times. I ❤️ your live streams too and am looking forward to the next one. Eventhough i make hats myself, I would like to buy one of yours for my collection. Cheers! 😍

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It sure does sound like you could pull off Eugenie's hat! That hat needs a confident wearer! 😁 I promise to do another live stream soon ❤️

[@katherinelucas2161]

There's that lovely lovely silk green turban style hat again. ❤ this time used to show what hat netting is. Thank you.

[@BlazeLeber]

That's an excellent show Thank You!

[@irenedavo3768]

Did not like Victoria Beckhams hat

[@irenedavo3768]

Would like to see you wear your hat with different colour dress!

[@sreemoyeebandyopadhyay2983]

Your videos are so informative. Hats can make a bold and powerful accessory. And the way you demonstrate the do's and don'ts is mind-blowing. Would love to see some videos on Royal Ascot

[@robynwilliams460]

Fabulous!

[@UnboxwithSahar]

I learnt a lot! Thank you 🙏

[@tracyhixon7255]

I’m so glad I discovered your channel- I’ve always loved hats but here in the US there aren’t many milliners or places to learn about them. And, your hat looks divine! Trying to decide which color i should order!

[@kayemcmullen]

I’m enjoying this series. I’m not so sure about your outfit with the sea foam coloured hat. I would have liked to see you in the brown pillbox (?) with bow. It certainly looks wonderful in the background display. I’m new to your channel and finding it enjoyable with just the right amount of not taking yourself too seriously while always taking the subject of hats very seriously. A good balance. I saw a photo of Lady Louise Windsor wearing a fedora at a carriage event - I thought she looked marvellous, what do you think? Thank you for an insight into wearing hats. 🇦🇺🦘

[@heatherstephens9295]

Tara was stunning, I remember when I saw her thinking wow who is that. Sad she has passed 🥹 Really enjoying your videos & your hat & outfit is stunning ❤❤🇳🇿

[@cadenceblackburn9205]

thank you for this video 👒

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

Wonderful video

[@elsacarrapichano3507]

You are lovely and so confident 😊

[@hopetikvah4906]

I would love to hear you talk about millinery on tv. Maybe Downton Abbey? I remember there being nice hats in that show

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Great idea! I haven't watched Downton Abbey, but I was thinking about doing a round up of the best hat looks in "The marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

[@hopetikvah4906]

@@ByIlonaMillinery That sounds fantastic!

[@Paula_Pretty_lady]

Don't like Nick Clegg but agree that his wife's hat was fabulous and I had forgotten how lovely she looked. 💗

[@re_patel]

Can you do a video explaining how these vertical hats stay up, And also how fascinators and hats are fastened? down.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

Love your hat! I have a very small head (20 1/2 inches), so hats are usually waaaaay too big

[@donnawallace9938]

Don't blame the hat on the wearer....blame the designer!

[@irenedavo3768]

Tara’s hat is crazy

[@maryk3458]

I still think the York girls looked ridiculous. Especially the Bullwinkle the Moose contraption on Beatrice. But that's just me.

[@katjavoneiff]

I must admit I am not so keen on the hats, that are worn directly on the forehead. I found it rather silly. I love the tilted hat worn tilted to one side and "balanced" by a flower. For Chelsea Davy: Maybe she is not particularly a fan of hats. But women have to wear hats on such occasions. Therefore a moderate one is a good choice.

[@MichelleMMears]

Hi. I just discovered your videos and am enjoying them very much. There is a beautiful picture of Queen Elizabeth riding in an open car, wearing a “coolie” hat, covered in what appears to be swirls of peach colored silk or something. It was taken in the 1960s I think. It is so lovely and the shape reminds me of your charming coquette hats. I wish I could send you a picture, but I don’t think that is an option.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello! I know exactly about what picture you are talking about! It is indeed fabulous 😍

[@kaycampbell8532]

Some of those hats you complimented were hideous. Beatrice's hat looked like a toilet seat. I guess it's like art.....beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@doreenblatz2440]

That’s the best description I’ve heard yet.

[@eringemini7091]

No matter how much a person admires unique hats, that hat Princess Beatrice wore was way too over the top for any occasion ( except Halloween).

[@ngaourapahoe]

You are very beautiful, charming and competent

[@romascott6567]

The colour may be perfectly matched but from the first moment I saw their hats, and particularly Beatrice's hat, I found them hideous. Sorry, for myself I wouldn't be seen dead in the hat Beatrice is wearing! 😲😲😲😲

[@edronc2007]

Such a nice flashback to 2011! I remember that Samantha Cameron, the snooty cow, didn't wear a hat at all, a totally unnecessary breach with etiquette.

[@irenedavo3768]

Watch adverts for you!

[@giovannamoro8564]

What type of hat is the best one for someone who needs eye glasses? Thank you

[@NellBelle]

About Beatrix's hat, I think the raccoon eyes threw the look out of whack. Eugenie look was just to tight and off balance that it was uncomfortable to take in during the event.

[@maryshort2760]

I think my favorite was probably the one you're wearing andsome your hats back behind you but as far as those ladies some of them I didn't care. For but some of my light

[@irishlady5051]

I very much enjoy your commentary. But I find it distracting when you mention something “on her left shoulder” when it is really on the right shoulder of the person in the photograph. Looking forward to more videos!

[@s.l.cruson8744]

The hat Beatrice wore was not attractive at all.

[@kelleyhawk6595]

Agreed! It’s hideous 🫢🫣

[@sandymalinovsky8455]

Agree. I thought it looked like something a jester would wear when I first saw it. 😮

[@alanaw27]

She auctioned it for charity.

[@gerardacronin334]

When I saw Beatrice’s hat I immediately thought of two things: an octopus and a toilet seat, neither of which I want to see on somebody’s head.

[@ginawiggles918]

The deer antler hat was (imo) a rather tasteless joke meant to upstage the bride. I've always heard there is animosity from the York sisters aimed at Catherine.....whom the considered "common." Perhaps just nasty rumors, but Catherine didn't allow them to intimidate her. She has certainly proven her worth and loyalty to the monarchy, and today epitomizes every quality of a true royal .

[@jadakowers590]

Love your channel! What you call veiling, I’ve heard referred to as Russian netting. Is the difference in names due to British vs American English?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Thank you so much 😊 veiling is always veiling, no difference between British and American. The "Russian" part of the name refers to the shape of the diamonds in the weave of the veil. You can get Russian, French, Venetian, merry widow, honeycomb and many more styles!

[@selinatorres]

7:27 the 🐈 hat

[@emilyjackson1457]

I see many people find your videos as charming as I do. Have you ever spoken about The Queen Mother's hats? The older I get, that is the kind of hat I lust for, but nobody seems to wear anything similar. Have you ever made one like hers? Thank you.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Emily, The Queen Mother had so many fabulous hats! I would love to look into them when I find the time. One of her Milliners is one of my favourite milliners of all time, Aage Tharrup.

[@beverlyhenderson188]

Ilona. Ive tried hats for school prize giving but nothing suits. I'm getting married in November and I'd love a hat but as I say nothing fits or looks good any ideas? Or are some people meant not to wear hats?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello Beverly, I always say there is a hat for every head! I offer consultation appointments. Please email me for more details.

[@ginacaradonna1896]

Hi Ilona. I have just recently subscribed and today I received my first video. I am from Canada and unfortunately, wearing hats is not part of our culture. I love the late Queen Elizabeth II, and I am wondering what your opinion is on her style of hat?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Gina! Thank you so much for subscribing! 😊 I have done a few videos on the late Queen's hats: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZrHpXRplJ1nbMU

[@kristiLB93]

I'm confused at Eugenie's hat?...What was the criticism for wearing it? Can you explain that to me again!😆🎩👒I totally agree with all your critiques though.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Kristi! I'm confused about Eugenie's hat also 😅 I think critique wise, the hat did adhere to the style lines of her outfit. However in my personal opinion - I don't like the Vivien Westwood Dress which looked like it is a stage theatre costume, and the hat added to this over-the-top look that was too visually overwhelming and maximalist.

[@lloydharris1272]

I have to go with the late Joan Rivers: Why was Princess Beatrice wearing an IUD on her head?

[@angelaspina8466]

Can a hat be worn at an evening wedding?

[@lisakilmer2667]

Your videos are interesting and very well-presented! You don't just say that you like or dislike something, as so many commentators do. Instead, you explain why certain items do or do not work. That particular event showcased the largest agglomeration of over-the-top hats I had ever seen. I dislike every hat that is worn on the forehead in a near-vertical fashion - they all look silly, and Beatrice's was merely the epitome of that silliness. Eugenie's lozenge-shaped hat would have been fine, had it been trimmed more in keeping with her garments (which also were wrong for her full-figured body). It was clear at the time that they chose distinctiveness over taste, and the criticism was justified because neither of them was an ingenue with no understanding of fashion. (PS - your own velvet hat is quite charming.)

[@bwy553]

What happens if somebody shows up without a hat?

[@dorothywillis1]

Sorry. I disagree. When Princess Beatrice and Eugenie showed up my first thought was "The ugly stepsisters have arrived!"

[@garmo98]

I'm sorry, but Princess Beatrice looks like she is balancing a fireplace andiron on her head. It doesn't look stylish, but silly.

[@Ian2844]

What about royal men's hats for a change?

[@juliehanns802]

I'm afraid I think that Beatrice and Eugenie wouldn't have looked out of place in a pantomime.

[@WifeMamaArtist]

I love your peices, it's just shame they're 3-4 times more than I can afford...

[@3_times_mum520]

Do you mean Catherine Windsor's and Prince William's wedding day ?)??

[@janethartwig774]

I just cannot agree with your assessment of the York girls hats. They were atrocious revenge hats to get back at their cousin for not inviting their mother.

[@lionheart830]

When should we not wear a hat?

[@laurabarkovitz55]

I believe Princess Beatrice’s hat was unfairly blamed for this outfit. The color was not a good for the princess as it washed her out. Combined with the dark eye makeup and nude lip it gave her a skeletal appearance . In addition the bodice of the dress/suit (I don’t recall which it was) did not fit properly and left her looking rumpled. The hat was beautifully made and suited the dress but the dress didn’t suit the woman.

[@Goldenfeather77]

I think know both hats are ridiculous

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

🕊🇺🇲💕

[@LauraHenderson-wx6xy]

I’m sorry but I feel the hats and dresses worn by both princesses were awful. I don’t blame them, I think they were taken advantage of and someone was having a laugh at their expense. Shame.

[@charlesmorgan4485]

Spaceships

[@eddalea]

Pr Beatrices Hat was ridiculous and didnt do her any justice at all. In fact her whole fashion taste is not attractive either. Similar comment re Pr Eugenie, havent actually seen any outfit that i think suits them. But who am i ?

[@luthersteaching5228]

I’m so sorry to hear you say that your favorite of all outfits and hats was Miriam Gonzalez. Other than Eugenie’s presentation I think that Miriam’s dress and hat was the absolute worst. Her’s was a rather dark and scary look that I felt was very inappropriate for this wedding. I shudder every time I glimpse her 2011 wedding attire.