Royal fans were delighted to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales on Sunday! The royal smiled jovially at passers-by as she joined her family for a church service in Balmoral following the news of her brother-in-law Prince Harry's return to the UK.
Kate was pictured arriving by car alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three children to attend a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk, near where the royals have retreated from the limelight to spend their annual summer break at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
© Getty ImagesKate, 44, was spied in the passenger seat, and even though we only observed a small part of her outfit, it was clear she had chosen a gloriously chic ensemble for the occasion. The royal donned a beautiful new Holland Cooper 'Audley' lace blouse, which she layered with a tweed coat, Ralph Lauren earrings, and perched on her head was one of her most instantly recognisable hats - the 'Betty Boop' style by Lock & Co.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate's 'Pillbox' hat pact
Kate's 'Betty Boop' hat is categorised as a pillbox due to the structure. It received its namesake because it was crafted in the shape of an old-fashioned pillbox. Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, often wore the style, and her timeless elegance made it incredibly sought-after.
© Universal History Archive/UniverOne of the smallest formal hats money can buy, it famously has no brim and sits smartly at the back of the head. Head Millinery Designer at Lock & Co, Awon Golding, previously told HELLO! that the iconic style "gives a glamorous nod to traditional millinery, whilst also adding a romantic touch to any modern outfit."
Kate's eight-time hat showdown
Kate has worn the Betty Boop style eight times over the years. Which one is your favourite?
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate first wore the hat in 2012
2012
Then known as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate charmed on St. Patrick's Day 2012 in an emerald coat and the Lock & Co brown pillbox hat.
© Getty ImagesKate wore the style at a wedding in Switzerland
2013
In 2013, Kate and her husband, Prince William, attended a wedding in Switzerland. Kate was pregnant with Prince George at the time and donned a MaxMara dress alongside her favourite brown hat.
© Getty ImagesKate turned heads at Cheltenham
2013
The same year, Kate surprised Cheltenham racegoers, making a glamorous appearance for the final day of racing. The then mum-to-be looked radiant in a vintage pink coat, Stuart Weitzman boots, and her coordinating hat.
© GettyThe royal brought stylish festive cheer at Christmas in 2014
2014
Kate and William hosted Christmas in 2014, inviting Kate's parents, Carole and Michael, along with her younger sister Pippa and brother James to their home at Anmer Hall. They still made time for the church service, though, with Kate – who was six months pregnant – wearing a tweed coat with her precious Lock & Co. hat.
© GettyKate looked blooming beautiful in her Catherine Walker coat
2015
In 2015, when pregnant with their daughter, Princess Charlotte, Kate travelled to Aldershot, Hampshire, with William to the Mons Barracks – home to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards – to view the annual St Patrick's Day parade. Kate opted for a brown Catherine Walker coat and accessorised with her iconic brown hat.
© Getty ImagesThe royal teamed her hat with a red coat by L.K.Bennett
2016
In 2016, Kate and William headed to Anglesey, and the then 34-year-old donned a red LK Bennett coat and the Lock & Co hat.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal was pregnant with Prince Louis in 2018
2018
The then-Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service in 2018, when she was just weeks away from giving birth to her third child, Prince Louis. She chose the stunning hat once again, with her Catherine Walker coat and dazzling pearl earrings.
