US First Lady Jill Biden criticised on Twitter for wearing fascinator to Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral

The First Lady caused some online complaints from Twitter users, who thought her headwear was frivolous and unsuitable for a funeral

Others came to her defence, saying a fascinator is just as appropriate as a hat, while others noted the shortage of black hats in the city

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US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who was criticised for wearing a fascinator to the sombre ceremony. Photo: Marco Bertorello/AFP

Published: 11:06am, 22 Sep 2022Updated: 12:10pm, 22 Sep 2022

US First Lady Jill Biden is facing ire from social media users after wearing a fascinator instead of a hat to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

Accompanying her husband President Joe Biden, the first lady, 71, arrived at Westminster Abbey in London wearing a black Schiaparelli bespoke suit and fascinator – a piece of headwear requiring a clip, comb or headband to stay in place.

Fascinators are “often worn by women attending formal occasions such as weddings and events”, according to Fascinators Direct, a website for hats and fascinators.

You often see fascinators at joyous events, such as weddings. While they can be worn to sombre events like funerals, the more accepted etiquette would be to wear a hat as a sign of respect.

Jill Biden upset quite a few Twitter users with her choice of headgear at the funeral for the queen. Photo: Hannah McKay/AFP

Twitter users were quick to call out Biden on the apparent fashion faux pas. Twitter user @woobs98765 wrote that a “big black bow in your hair” isn’t appropriate for a funeral.