Posted on May 9th, 2010 by Ella | 8 Comments »
HRH Prince Philippe, Duke of Brabant and Countess Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz
December 4, 1999
Of the six crown princely weddings we’ll be hatting about with in preparation for Crown Princess Victoria’s June nuptials, Prince Philippe of Belgium’s wedding is the first. Married to Belgian aristocrat Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz in 1999, Philippe is currently their heir to the Belgian throne, now occupied by his father, King Albert II.
Since their marriage, Mathilde and Philippe have lived an active but fairly low-key royal life. In between major royal events and charity work, they have found time to have four children: Princess Elisabeth (future Queen of the Belgians), Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléanore. But let’s do a little time-traveling jaunt back eleven years, and — dare I say it — party like it’s 1999! 
Wedding Hatters
Posted on January 3rd, 2010 by Ella | 2 Comments »
The lovely Crown Princess Masako was also out and about today at the New Year Gala, though she did not appear at the public portion of the gala with the rest of the royal family. Here she is arriving with her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito, and their daughter, Princess Aiko. She’s wearing the Japanese Sunburst Tiara, one that isn’t trotted out much by the Japanese royal ladies.
Glad to see Masako, even if it is only a peek through a car window!
Posted on December 9th, 2009 by Ella | 5 Comments »
![Imperial Palace: HIH The Crown Princess of Japan (9 Dec 2009) [PHOTO: Sankei News]](http://madhattery.royalroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2009-1209-japan-masako.jpg "Imperial Palace: HIH The Crown Princess of Japan (9 Dec 2009) [PHOTO: Sankei News]")
Here’s a brand-new crown princess for us here at the blog: Crown Princess Masako of Japan!
Masako isn’t often seen out and about these days, as she suffers from a stress-related illness that requires her to cut back on her official duties and appearances. But she made a special appearance today, wearing quite a chic and lovely black hat. Kudos on the choice of chapeau from me!
What’s the occasion, you ask? It just happens to be her birthday. Happy 46th, Masako, and welcome to Mad Hattery!
Posted on December 4th, 1999 by Ella | 3 Comments »
Crown Princess Masako’s hat at Philippe and Mathilde’s wedding was one of my favorites on the day; the saturated royal blue is elegant, regal, and yet fun at the same time. In a day full of drab neutrals, she really stood out!
Sadly, this was one of the last major royal events that Masako attended. Soon after, her daughter Aiko was born, and not long after that, she was diagnosed with a nervous disorde. She has largely kept herself out of the public eye since, only attending a few events in Japan. I’m always hoping that Masako will make a comeback — we always need more excellent hattery moments like this one! 
