They were feather-light yet anchored faster than Britannia in a storm. With their vivid shades and contrasting colours they were often the most captivating aspect of their wearer’s outfit — without ever overshadowing the royal head atop which they sat. Little wonder, then, that the hats of Philip Somerville have graced the heads of three generations of royal women: the Queen, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge. The milliner, who died this week after a long career, was loved and trusted by the Queen — as well as countless celebrities, from Lady Thatcher to Joan Collins — for his ability to make appropriate yet fashion-forward headwear.
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The hats of Philip Somerville have graced the heads of three generations of royal women: the Queen, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge
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The milliner, who died this week after a long career, was also loved by  celebrities, from Lady Thatcher to Joan Collins
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He will be remembered for his prodigious work for the Queen, for whom he created 40 or 50 hats a year
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Somerville had an impact on Diana, encouraging her towards bigger brimmed, bright hats with contrasting bands
Duchess of Cambridge
Duchess of Cambridge
And his love of modern design meant that well into retirement age he was still making hats that looked up-to-date on @placeholder, 50 years his junior.