'Is the Queen sending a message?': Why the Monarch's outfit has set social media afire
As the Queen gave her much-anticipated speech on Britain's exit from the European Union on Wednesday, many tuning in appeared distracted by a particular item of clothing she had chosen for the occasion.
The 91-year-old monarch, who addressed parliament without Prince Philip by her side, vowed to "secure the best possible deal" as the country leaves the EU in the wake of Brexit, saying the priority was building a "more united country."
But social media users appeared to pay more attention to the Queen's headwear than her speech, with her blue and yellow hat bearing a striking resemblance to the EU flag.
"Not to be facetious, but the Queen's hat looks like the European Union's flag," one Twitter user observed.
"Is the Queen sending a message?" another said.
Prince Philip in 'good spirits' after health scare
Queen's speech dominated by EU exit
For the speech, the monarch had opted for a light blue day dress and hat instead of the traditional ceremonial robes and crown.
The blue hat was adorned with a circle of yellow flowers, with social media users noticing the similarity of the colours and pattern to the ring of stars on the EU flag.
Even one of the leading Members of the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt, noticed the choice of headwear.
"Clearly the EU still inspires some in the UK," he tweeted alongside a blushing emoji.
The Queen gave her speech with her son Prince Charles by her side after Prince Philip was rushed to hospital with an infection on Tuesday night.
The monarch told lawmakers from both the upper and lower houses of parliament that the government is committed to building "the widest possible consensus" on Brexit.
Eight of 27 bills outlined in the speech deal with the complex process of Brexit and there was no mention of President Donald Trump's invitation for a state visit, which sparked criticism from all parties.
Even before news of Prince Philip's illness, the government had announced that the speech would be delivered with less pageantry than normal a result of the timing of the snap election.
"My government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union," she said.
