The hat had a distinctly round overall shape and remains one of the more unusual pieces in the Queen’s millinery past. The Queen’s hat, in pale yellow silk, was inspired by a Tudor era French hood and designed by Simone Mirman. The crown was embroidered with seed pearls and the attached hood, with hand stitched pleats, wrapped around the back of the Queen’s head. The medieval castle was inspiration for the visually austere ceremony (directed by Princess Margaret’s husband Lord Snowdon, who designed the set and decor). On July 1, 1969, the 20-year-old Prince received the insignia as the 21st Prince of Wales from the Queen at an outdoor ceremony before 4,000 guests at Caernarfon Castle in north-west Wales.
45 years ago today, Prince Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales.Įmbed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
