How the Princess of Wales hat style at Trooping the Color has evolved since 2011

When it comes to rounding off her look, the Princess of Wales has mastered the art of millinery, opting for muted colors with intricate designs or striking sculptural styles from milliners such as Jane Corbett and Philip Treacy.

We can expect another skilled example on tomorrow’s Trooping of the Color.

While the princess’s approach has undoubtedly evolved, the key to Kate’s millinery style is consistently choosing creations that complement her outfit perfectly and are an extension of her look, carefully coordinated in bespoke matching shades.

Where she once chose small discreet fascinators, Catherine now opts for larger saucer hats that sweep over her face for an elegant silhouette.

If her choice of headwear has become more sophisticated, so has her ever-shiny hair styling.

Today, it’s not so much about her famously flawless blow-drying with wavy long locks, but she’s opted to pull her hair back into a chignon – putting all the focus on her hat.

We’ve seen a shift in Kate’s overall style choices.

She’s certainly stayed true to her favorite British fashion designers and has worn Alexander McQueen at all but two of the Trooping the Color parades.

(This is the brand spearheaded by Sarah Burton and has been woven into her image since the day in 2011 she said yes.)

That said, the princess has started to opt for more chic, understated yet striking styles that reflect her maturity and the significance of her role in the British monarchy.

The annual Trooping the Color parade is one of the most important events on the royal calendar, and over the years the Princess of Wales has given us a variety of balcony ensembles, each as effortlessly stylish as the last.

The style legacy she has already left behind is one of pastel fascinators, colorful sheath dresses and some of her most iconic hat looks.

The impeccable style of the polished princess, increasingly daring yet elegant, has gradually matured into more refined and striking choices and a defined silhouette.

2011

For her Trooping the Color debut, Kate wore a monochromatic ensemble consisting of a white Alexander McQueen coat dress and a sculptural sheer black hat from Lock & Co.

2012

Looking elegant in light blue, she wore a tailored dress by Erdem with embroidered floral detailing and a bow fascinator styled for her face by Jane Corbett.

2013

While pregnant with Prince George, Kate chose a blush pink Alexander McQueen coat with oversized pearl buttons and a bow-adorned Jane Corbett hat with a delicate lace underlay.

2014

This year it was a pearl and powder blue jacquard Alexander McQueen two-piece suit with a similarly hued Jane Taylor fascinator adorned with delicate lace flowers.

2015

After the birth of Princess Charlotte, Kate marked her return to royal duties with a floral Catherine Walker coat and Lock & Co fascinator. The wide-brimmed hat is made of sinamay and is finished with a single feather.

2016

Returning to favorite designer Alexander McQueen, this year it was a fit and flare coat teamed with a Philip Treacy hat. The blush pink saucer hat had silk rosettes below the brim.

2017

For her seventh Trooping the Color ceremony, all eyes were on Kate’s sassy pink look. Pair a Jane Taylor hat with an Alexander McQueen dress, this matchy matchy ensemble is anything but boring.

2018

While Kate usually leans towards the side of simplicity, this complex hat was a bold choice. The oversized fascinator, which combines lace, flowers and pleats, was the perfect complement to her Alexander McQueen duck egg blue dress.

2019

Following her 2016 look, Kate’s lemon yellow Alexander McQueen coat was elegantly complemented by a Philip Treacy statement piece. Curved to the brim with an explosive bouquet of flowers, it perfectly frames her face.

2022

Regal in white with blue accents, this year saw the princess make a statement in Philip Treacy. The eye-catching two-tone navy blue and white contrast fascinator had an old-school Hollywood feel, paired with an Alexander McQueen jacket.