The Reason Royals Avoid Wearing Hats in the Evening

No article of clothing has become quite as synonymous with the royal family in recent years as stylish headwear. Since the 1950s, ostentatious hats have been something of a staple in the British monarchy's wardrobe, particularly among the women, who have sported all manner of eye-catching head coverings from large showstoppers to more functional pieces, like those worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Given the popularity of this cranial accoutrement, you'd be forgiven for not noticing that the royals are seldom ever caught wearing their hats after dark. 

Speaking with Reader's Digest, etiquette coach Laura Windsor explained that the royal family adheres to a strict dress code that states hats cannot be worn after 6 p.m. According to Diana Mather of The English Manner etiquette consultancy, the reason for this specific time is simple, as she told BBC: "[6 p.m.] is when the ladies changed into evening dress, and tiaras and the family jewels would come out." Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles III, added that wearing tiaras instead of hats also showed a woman's societal standing and relationship status, as only married women wore tiaras. "For the gentleman, it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the lady in question," he said.

While tiaras are now rarely seen, typically reserved for white-tie occasions and formal responsibilities, the tradition of wearing hats continues to be an integral part of the