All the Best Hats & Fascinators From King Charles III’s Coronation

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We know King Charles III’s coronation is a big deal for geopolitical reasons and historical reasons and yada, yada, yada. And we care about that! We do! But we are also thoroughly invested in what the big day means for fashion. Specifically hats!

According to the BBC, “dress code etiquette” states that women must cover their head for formal events.

“Up until the 1950s ladies were very seldom seen without a hat as it was not considered ‘the thing’ for ladies to show their hair in public,” Diana Mather — a senior tutor for The English Manner etiquette consultancy — told the outlet. “But all that has changed and hats are now reserved for more formal occasions.”

*Eye roll*

Sexist roots aside, we were so excited to see the impressive array of hats, fascinators, and headpieces on display today.  And of course, at the end of the ceremony, Charles had a “headpiece” of his own. Keeping with tradition, he wore the St. Edward’s Crown. It is considered the “most important and sacred of all the crowns” because it is only used at the moment of crowning. Outfitted with “semi-precious stones,” and a solid gold frame, the crown weighs almost five pounds. When the royal family returned to Buckingham Palace and made an appearance on the balcony, Charles was wearing the Imperial State Crown.