Calgary Stampede 2011 Royal Style

Let’s throw up our white cowboy hats and say welcome to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Image Courtesy of Derek Boniecki

The Calgary Stampede takes place once a year, since 1886, over the course of ten days in July, which attracts millions of people from all over the world to participate in the festivities. This ten day event which runs July 8th through the 17th, includes rodeos, parades, live country music, good food and good company. This year Prince William and his wife, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge will be making their first royal engagement as a married couple on a trip to Canada. 

Catherine was recently spotted leaving Lock & Co. Hatters, causing much speculation about what she will be wearing to the stampede. Lock & Co. Hatters, an institution specializing in hats, has praised the Duchess for her “impeccable taste.” Established in 1676, the store is still around on St. James Street in London, and caters to perfecting the fit of a hat for both men and women. When I was a young girl studying and working at the House of Worth, I would gaze into the windows and be transfixed by the astonishing way hats were made by hand. I was excited to hear that she was seen there and am also speculating if either of them will be wearing a hat made by Lock & Co. to the Calgary Stampede; perhaps one of their famous Stetson hats. Or a hat by Sylvia Fletcher's Couturier Millinery line, exclusive to Lock & Co. 

When the couple lands at Calgary airport on July 7th, they will be honored with a White Hat Ceremony which has become a tradition for all well-known people who visit Canada. During this tradition Prince William and his wife will be presented with white cowboy hats. And with her love of hats and fascinators, I’m anxious to see what else she has up her sleeve to wow us.

I hope that the couple has an amazing time on their tour through Canada. Maybe Kate will stop by Bellissima, which has its flagship store right in Calgary. As she loves fashion that’s affordable and on trend. She has such a perfect figure, but how can she not be tempted by the traditional pancake breakfast at the Calgary Stampede. 

Love, Carole