Last week, Princess Kate Middleton grabbed international attention for her surprising appearance at world scouting’s centenary jamboree. She wore a green tweed baker boy hat that really tipped the hat to the late 90’s and early 00’s looks. The style, once popularized by pop icons such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez, is making a comeback, thanks in part to the Princess of Wales’s influence.
Baker boy hats were the most popular accessory of the early 2000s. It helped that celebrities were regularly seen in them, effortlessly integrating direct-from-the-stage fashion into their daily wardrobes. This comeback in fashion couldn’t be more perfectly timed with Princess Kate’s reputation, for over a decade now, as the royal family’s resident trendsetter. She even picked up the headgear for her official visit to the Scouts, making for a powerful fashion statement. This decision has the added benefit of appealing to nostalgia for long-time fans of that era.
On the day of her visit, Princess Kate warmly dressed for the chilly, outdoor visit. She finished her look with a warm cropped bomber jacket, turtleneck and skinny jeans. Her green tweed baker boy hat was stylish, completing the apple green and charcoal look, but functional in the near-freezing temperatures. She’s not new to this popular style. In 2013 she wore a hat like that on her trip to the Great Tower Scout Camp in Cumbria.
As joint president of the Scouts since 2020, Princess Kate has made a point to participate heavily with the organization. She gives this duty with Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, a cousin to Queen Elizabeth. She takes her commitment to the Scouts every day one step further. She’s passionate about its core values and she understands that it changes young people’s lives for the better.
“What’s so fantastic about Scouts is it’s the same foundations that have always been there, and despite how different the modern day world is now, actually, it still resonates with so many young people and it’s making such a massive difference to them.” – Princess Kate
Her deep personal relationship with nature and her advocacy for its vital role in our increasingly hectic world shone through in her remarks at the gala. She enjoys hiking and walking in natural settings. They provide her harmony and tranquility despite her overtly hectic schedule.
“Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature, but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.” – Princess Kate
In addition to her fashion choices, Princess Kate’s remarks about the Scouts emphasize her dedication to fostering inclusivity among youth. Author Lauren Noble, who has worked in the trenches with Princess Kate, gave her thoughts. She stressed the importance of young people getting plugged into the scouting community.
“She said she would like them to go into the scouting community because she loves what it stands for — that it’s a very open and inclusive way into life.” – Lauren Noble
As she continues to cycle different hats into her royal wardrobe, Princess Kate’s recent outing reflects both a revival of past fashion trends and a commitment to promoting causes close to her heart. By wearing the baker boy hat, she not only revisits a beloved style but connects with her audience on a personal level.