Britain’s Royal family dress code on Queen's funeral to be dictated by tradition (2024)

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Britain’s Royal family dress code on Queen's funeral to be dictated by tradition? ›

Women are expected to wear black dresses and formal hats, while men will wear black coats. Working members of the royal family traditionally wear military uniforms, while non-working men wear back coats, as was seen at the Queen's husband Prince Phillip's funeral last year.

The rules are in Debretts, the who's who guide on aristocracy and manners. Women must wear black knee length dresses, but can also wear coats of the same length, and hats with veils that cover the face. Men who are not members of the Royal family wear black morning coats with any medals that they have earned.

As a non-working member of the royal family, the Duke of York will not wear uniform, it is believed, except as a special mark of respect at the final vigil in Westminster Hall, at which only the Queen's children will be present. Unfortunately this video is not available in your region.

Royal women are not required to wear pantyhose, but it was highly encouraged that they do out of respect for the queen. With Queen Camilla recently crowned, this unspoken rule could be updated. Kate Middleton is rarely seen in public without a pair of nude pantyhose on.

Unsurprisingly, as with most funerals, the dress code for state funerals is also all-black, according to Debrett's, a chronicler of British society and modern manners. Specifically, women are expected to wear 'black knee-length dresses, or coats, black hats, and may also wear face-covering veils. '

Lisa Levinson, head of communications at the Natural Diamond Council, has told Metro: 'Her Majesty is an incredibly humble woman at heart who is unlikely to be dressed in anything but her simple Welsh gold wedding band to rest and a pair of pearl earrings. '

As with any funeral, a black and sombre dress code was adhered to, though the royal family also has its own specific codes for moments of great solemnity. Members of the royal family with military titles will be expected to wear ceremonial military attire.

After a civil sexual assault lawsuit was filed by Giuffre, Queen Elizabeth stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and patronages in 2022.

In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth stripped her second son of his military titles and patronages after he was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, an alleged victim of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Are royals allowed to wear nail polish? ›

There is no rule that women in the royal family can't wear nail polish. It's advisable that, during day engagements, they wear neutral colours. It's less noticeable if you chip a nail. All of the royal ladies, including Queen Elizabeth, in her younger days, have worn more vibrant colours.

You'll never see a Royal wearing jeans to an important social event. Women should wear dresses, not trousers, on Royal occasions: This is because Queen Elizabeth preferred dresses to pants. Meghan has broken protocol regarding trousers a few times, but has rarely worn them to a Royal event.

Adopting the color was also a way for kings in the Middle Ages to show their God-given right to rule. Red became the color of regal majesty and power: Charlemagne wore red shoes at his coronation as a visible symbol of his authority, as did Louis XIV in his official portraits.

There is a royal protocol for everything, and since Queen Elizabeth II's passing we have become reacquainted with the tradition of royal mourning, which will see all the family's activities put on hold until seven days after the funeral and all communications sent on black-edged stationery.

Always travel with a black clothing ensemble

This way they can be properly dressed to fit the somber occasion when they arrive back in the U.K., reports Harper's Bazaar. This rule was created after the unexpected death of Queen Elizabeth II's father, King George VI.

It is expected that most guests will wear black, with a few exceptions for military attire or – as was the case at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh - black mourning coats with medals.

Darker dresses, suits, pants, jackets and sweaters are appropriate. Flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, casual tennis shoes and cleavage are not appropriate. Even though the service may be a celebration of life, many of those attending will be mourning. Your goal is to blend in, not be conspicuous.

Do I Have To Wear Black To A Funeral? Black is the safest bet, but you don't have to wear a solid black outfit. Consider other darker and solid colors when thinking of what to wear at a funeral. Dark gray, navy, and dark blue are other acceptable options for a funeral.

For Princess Margaret's funeral, the royal family dressed in the same all-black dress code that will be required for the Queen's State Funeral. The Queen herself attended in black, after a morning's work at Buckingham Palace. She arrived with Prince Philip in a royal Rolls-Royce.