Catherine STUNS In A The Hicks & Brown Hat As She Joins William & Three Children In Balmoral
Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is celebrated for her impeccable fashion sense, often setting trends and captivating the public with her elegant style. One of her most beloved accessories is the Hicks & Brown hat, particularly the Suffolk Fedora, which has become a staple in her wardrobe and a popular choice among other royals, including Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Recently, Princess Catherine made a surprise appearance on her way to Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This sighting was especially notable as it marked one of her rare public appearances since announcing her cancer treatment in March. Driving to church with her husband, Prince William, Catherine was seen wearing the same Hicks & Brown Suffolk Fedora in dark brown that she wore to Crathie Kirk last summer. She paired the fedora with a brown plaid coat, her hair styled down, and dangling earrings, echoing a similar look from her August 2023 church outing.
Catherine first wore the Hicks & Brown Suffolk Fedora in public during a church service in Norfolk in January 2020. The British-made fedora, known for its classic design featuring a distinctive pheasant feather wrap, is made from high-quality wool, offering both warmth and style. The Princess of Wales owns this timeless piece in multiple colors, including navy and olive, the latter of which was featured in the Waleses’ 10th wedding anniversary video in 2021.
The Hicks & Brown brand, co-founded by Alice Leet-Cook, has experienced a significant boost in visibility and sales due to Catherine’s endorsement, highlighting the impact of royal fashion on small businesses. The “Catherine effect” is well-known, where items she wears often sell out almost instantly, influencing broader fashion trends.
Interestingly, Catherine is not the only royal with a fondness for the Hicks & Brown Suffolk Fedora. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the Princess of Edinburgh, have also been seen wearing the hat, albeit in different colors. This shared preference underscores the versatility and universal appeal of the hat, which complements various styles and occasions.
Crathie Kirk is a traditional church for the British royals during their stays in Scotland, and it serves as a place where members of the royal family often switch up their styles. While Queen Elizabeth was known for her tartan ensembles in Scotland, King Charles frequently opts for kilts, though Prince William has yet to adopt this fashion statement.
As Princess Catherine and King Charles continue their cancer treatments, the royal family maintains their tradition of spending part of the late summer at Balmoral, their private paradise in the Scottish Highlands. Catherine’s choice to wear the Hicks & Brown Suffolk Fedora is not just a fashion statement; it’s a nod to timeless elegance and support for British craftsmanship, further cementing her status as a modern fashion icon.
Next week, the royal family’s routine will shift as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis return to school, and Prince William resumes his public duties in London.
