01 June 2015

Flashback: State Visit to Germany, 1965

As we get ready for this year's state visit to Germany for The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, we're flashing back to a few previous German/British state visits. We've covered the 1958 German visit to the U.K.; today, we have the accompanying return visit. The Queen and Duke traveled to the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in May of 1965, the first time a British head of state had done so since before the two world wars.

We're stepping deep into a far more adventurous period of millinery for Her Majesty here, by the way. And if you love a bit of ridiculous retro headgear (and who doesn't love that?!), I have just a few glorious examples for you:
This newsboy-style topper with an added bow on top works perfectly for the category of "looking cool on a boat in your shades", wouldn't you say?
This pile of spaghetti was bright yellow and apparently donut-style, sans crown, as you can see below, and yet still I find it preferable to the unflattering upturned brim on the right:
Anyway, on to the brooches: the Dorset Bow was big on this trip, and on the left there, we have the Modern Ruby Brooch. The newsboy-style cap with bow at the beginning was accompanied by the complete Teck Corsage Brooch, which has now become such a rare sight.

Speaking of things that are rare sights now, this trip included no fewer than three tiara events.
A suite of pearls and diamonds took care of one of those events (above and far right below), with the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara in its pearl version, the Duchess of Gloucester's Pendant Earrings, Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Necklace, the Kensington Bow Brooch, and a diamond evening watch. The Queen is wearing the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
For another gala event (far left above), Her Maj put on the full sparkle with Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara, a smaller pair of diamond earrings, the George VI Festoon Necklace, the True Lover's Knot Brooch, and Queen Victoria's Diamond Bracelet. And for another gala event (center above), she selected the True Lover's Knot Brooch again and paired it with her George VI and Modern Sapphire Set (tiara, earrings, necklace, bracelet). The tiara and bracelet were fresh adds to her collection at this time.
Video, including more millinery madness and two of the three tiara events shown here

The upcoming visit won't be anything near a three tiara affair, but there is one state banquet on the agenda with promises for some sparkle.

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated, Young, British Pathe video
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