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The Guardian

Queen Elizabeth’s wardrobe is often interpreted as relaying coded messages from a monarch constitutionally bound to remain mute on political issues of the day.
So when she wore a bold blue hat with yellow flowers bearing an uncanny resemblance to the EU flag during the state opening of parliament in 2017, many thought it carried serious import. Could it be, Twitter asked, that Her Majesty was a remainer?
The image even prompted Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament lead negotiator on Brexit, to tweet: “Clearly the EU still inspires some in the UK.”
Alas, the truth, it would appear, is more mundane. Angela Kelly, the queen’s dresser for a quarter of a century, has set the record straight in her book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe.

It was pure coincidence, Kelly states in her book, said to have been personally approved by the queen, and serialised in Hello! magazine.
Of the hat, Kelly writes “it never occurred to her” or to milliner Stella McLaren that the hat would be compared to the EU flag, which consists of a circle of 12 yellow stars against a blue background.
The queen had worn the hat after opting to wear day dress instead of the traditional robe and imperial state crown to the state opening in June 2017, which because of the snap general election was scaled down as it took place only four days after trooping the colour.
It also fell during Royal Ascot, a sacrosanct engagement in the royal diary, and so the outfit enabled the queen to have a quick wardrobe change before trotting off to the races.
Has UK PM Boris Johnson lied to the queen?
Kelly said: “I had already had in stock some material suitable for Her Majesty’s outfit, so after I’d checked the background against which the queen would be sitting – to be sure the colours wouldn’t clash – I made the design and passed it, with my instructions, to the in-house dressmaker.”
Kelly and the milliner then discussed how to top off the outfit, and decided on a Breton-brim block-style hat so that the queen’s face could be clearly seen.
The eventual design featured five flowers made from feathers with tiny seed pearls painted in yellow.

“It never occurred to Stella and me that people might think we were copying the European Union flag,” insisted Kelly. “It was a coincidence but, boy, did it attract a lot of attention, and it certainly made us smile.”
It is not the only time the queen’s outfit has been deemed to convey a subliminal message.
During US President Donald Trump’s 2018 visit, great significance was placed on her choice of brooches: the first had been gifted by his predecessor, Barack Obama; the second by Canada, with whom Trump was not best pleased; and the third had previously been worn by her mother at the funeral of her father, George VI.
Just what was Her Majesty trying to say?


How to wear Breton stripes today, a classic look loved by everyone from Kate Middleton to Heart Evangelista, and of course, Coco Chanel

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Who is Alexandre Grimaldi’s rumoured flame Savannah Hennessy – and what’s her royal connection? Grace Kelly’s grandson was spotted at a Gucci show with the cognac dynasty scion

Meet Julia Samuel, Prince George’s godmother and BFF to the late Princess Diana: the grief expert hails from the Guinness beer family, and is thought to have helped Meghan Markle through tough times

Royalty

Did Queen Elizabeth’s ‘EU hat’ carry coded Brexit message? Dresser Angela Kelly explains choice of outfit

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth delivers the Queen’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in London in June 2017. Photo: AFP

A European Union flag and belonging to an anti-Brexit activist flies outside the Houses of Parliament in London on October 23, 2019. - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson could pivot towards a general election as the EU mulls granting a Brexit deadline extension on Wednesday, after a fresh twist to the divorce saga cast doubt over his hopes of leaving on October 31. In tense parliamentary votes on Tuesday, Johnson won initial backing for the divorce deal he agreed with the EU -- but MPs then rejected his timetable to rush it through parliament in a matter of days. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks to first lady Melania Trump, as U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as they stand on the dais in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Friday, July 13, 2018.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)

Britain’s queen took a subtle jab at Donald Trump’s attacks on US allies while standing next him

US President Donald Trump and Britain's Queen Elizabeth raise their glasses at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on Monday. Photo: Reuters

General view of the State Banquet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and guests at Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, June 3, 2019. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS

Queen Elizabeth breaks silence on Brexit in her own queen-like way

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is greeted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth at the ceremonial welcome for King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Photo: AFP

A general view shows guests seated as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II makes a toast during a State Banquet in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Buckingham Palace in London on October 23, 2018, on the first day of the Dutch King and Queen's two-day state visit. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP)

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands with Queen Maxima, attend a formal farewell with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday Oct. 24, 2018. The Netherlands royal couple are concluding their State Visit to the UK. (Chris Furlong/Pool via AP)

Did Donald Trump’s helicopter ruin Queen Elizabeth’s lawn at Buckingham Palace?

Queen Elizabeth and President Donald Trump enjoy a happier moment. Photo: WireImage

News

World

Europe


Worn at opening of parliament in 2017, bold blue hat with yellow flowers bore uncanny resemblance to EU flag
Queen’s attire often interpreted as relaying subliminal messages from monarch constitutionally bound to remain mute on political issues of the day



Royal aide of 25 years Angela Kelly explains choice of outfit in her book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe.


Did Queen Elizabeth’s ‘EU hat’ carry coded Brexit message? Dresser Angela Kelly explains choice of outfit

Worn at opening of parliament in 2017, bold blue hat with yellow flowers bore uncanny resemblance to EU flag Queen’s attire often interpreted as relaying subliminal messages from monarch constitutionally bound to remain mute on political issues of the day

Worn at opening of parliament in 2017, bold blue hat with yellow flowers bore uncanny resemblance to EU flag

Queen’s attire often interpreted as relaying subliminal messages from monarch constitutionally bound to remain mute on political issues of the day