One of the best parts of royal watching is all the hats. While the royal ladies aren't always required to cover their heads with large hats or fancy fascinators, it's definitely more fun when they are. What's interesting about the hats is that there rules that dictate when a royal lady needs to wear one, as well as guidelines for what kind of hat or fascinator needs to be worn. Who knew so much went out to picking out a hat?
Hats and fascinators are required for all formal royal events. It's a long-standing royal tradition that's been passed down through generations of the British monarchy, according to Shared. In fact, the rule used to be even stricter. Up until the 1950s, royal women were not allowed to be seen without a hat or fascinator ever. Now, though, the rules are slightly more lax and they are only required for the fancier royal events.
The royal protocol still does state that royal women must wear hats at all official events, however, it's unofficially accepted that hats can be foregone for more casual events. While Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle often opt out of the hat wearing, Queen Elizabeth is rarely seen in public without a colorful sun hat to match her skirt suits.
There have been some memorable fascinators worn at royal events over the years. Princess Beatrice - Prince Harry and William's first cousin - went viral for her sartorial choices at the royal wedding back in 2011. Her eye catching fascinator almost upstaged Kate on her wedding day - that's how much people were talking about her hat choice. It even made Time's list of "The Top 10 Everything of 2011," which is pretty impressive. Weddings are considered to be formal events, so, royals must cover their heads in order to meet the dress code standard.
According to Insider, royals keep outdated traditions - like not showing off your hair in public - alive to separate themselves from everybody else. "There has to be a slight differentiation between the royal family and us regular folk," royal expert Victoria Arbiter told Insider. "Not in an arrogant way, but what's the point in the royal family if they are just like us?"
So if we all start wearing hats and curtsying does that make us royal, too? Asking for a friend.