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7 November 05 - Royals are the tops in the ‘Celebrity Hat Wearers’ list

ZARA Phillips and The Duchess of Cornwall are well ahead of the competition in a ‘Top Ten’ list of Celebrity Hat Wearers, compiled by Luton’s millinery and hat making industry - taking the first and second positions and beating style leader Victoria Beckham into third place. 

And two other royals, Princess Beatrice, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex are at the fourth and fifth positions in the celebrity women’s chart.

Click here to see a list of the top 10 hat wearers

More than 2,000 people voted on-line during the past two months, each casting a vote for a male and female celebrity at the hat industry web-site www.loveluton.com and placing four royals in the top five female hat wearers and two royals in the top five men’s list. 

Sir Elton John tops the men’s chart, ahead of David Beckham, Boy George and the two Royals - Prince William and Prince Philip.

The top five women attracted 1,344 of the total 2008 votes, cast in each of the two categories, with the top five men grabbing even more votes with 1,604 between them. 

The highest number of votes, 481, went to Sir Elton John with David Beckham picking up 425. Voting in the women’s list showed Zara Phillips with 366 votes and Camilla with 351. The lowest score in the two top-five charts went to Prince Philip [134].

Thirty eight chart ‘also-rans’, who received just over 1,000 votes between them, included Joanna Lumley, Princess Michael of Kent, Margaret Thatcher, Sarah Ferguson, Cilla Black, Chris Eubank, Jonathan Ross, Sir Sean Connery, Prince Harry and Robbie Williams.

Tony Edwards, from the promotional consortium Luton First, which organised the new style chart in conjunction with Luton’s internationally-famous millinery and hat making industry, said today that the Royals were the undoubted style leaders where hats were concerned.

“High profile royal occasions, such as the marriage of Charles and Camilla, have presented ideal opportunities for the royal family to show off their sense of style. And, while the younger royals have probably been the most adventurous and fashionable in their choice of hats, The Duchess of Cornwall has shown she has excellent taste in the more classic designs.”

Philip Wright of Walter Wright Ltd, Luton milliners since 1889 and one of the town’s leading hat makers, said today: “A hat is the final statement in personal style, and to be recognised as one of the country’s most stylish hat wearers is an accolade for individuality and distinction. 

“Throughout history, the Royals have helped to set style trends, going back to the Windsor knot, Prince-of-Wales checks, and so on. And today’s Royals appear to be continuing that great tradition and are to be congratulated on their world-wide fashion lead.”

NOTE TO EDITORS Luton’s Hat Industry.

* Luton’s hat industry has its roots in the 17th century and the production of locally grown wheat – the ideal straw for the straw hat and boater.
* In the 19th century the straw hat industry dominated Luton’s economy and transformed the town into a major industrial centre.
* Today Luton remains at the heart of the UK hat industry, employing around 1,000 workers in small and medium-sized companies.
* Products range from mass market hats through to high-quality couturier – and include specialist protective and safety headwear. Much of the hat production is exported.

Click here to see a list of the top 10 hat wearers

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