AP PHOTOS: From Charles to Derby, day for fancy hats to rule

If ever there was a banner day for hats—wild and colorful hats—it was Saturday, the double spectacle and celebration of King Charles III’s coronation that is the Kentucky Derby.

Katy Perry wore an elaborate lilac hat to go with her matching bespoke jacket and Vivienne Westwood skirt, tucking her chin under her flats as she searched for her seat at Westminster Abbey.

And Princess Anne, the king’s sister, was in a two-pointed military topper with long red feathers that blocked Prince Harry’s view from the third row (more memes to come). Sorry, Harry, she was selected as a Gold Stick in Waiting and has a variety of military titles.

It’s certainly tradition to wear hats for coronations and other formal royal affairs, but the thousands of people who gather in the streets to celebrate are decked out in everything from fake golden crowns to novelty Deeley bobbers (those springy headband things) and hats. Get out With all kinds of motifs characteristic of the British flag.

Speaking of all hats, the Kentucky Derby is arguably the most famous horse race in the world. It is also a chance for the race goers to show off their fashion accessories.

Seersucker suits, floral dresses and bright colors abound, but racegoers famously elevate their style to another level with a lavish collection of hats and fascinators.

Men favor fedoras or bowlers, while women sport designs featuring feathers and flowers in every shape, color and size. Bigger is often better when it comes to derby hats.

The event has appointed an official milliner or hatmaker every year since 2018. But in a sign of their growing importance in the Kentucky Derby, it named three milliners for the 2023 event: Christine Moore, Jenny Pfannenstiel and The Hat Girls.

The tradition of wearing hats in the Derby began with the first running in 1875.