Royal family dress code for Queen’s funeral including Kate and Meghan’s veils
19.09.2022 - 08:53
/ ok.co.uk
Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered by her family, friends and the country during her state funeral on 19 September, with thousands lining the streets to pay their respects. While the country is in a national period of mourning, members of the family are expected to follow strict royal protocol when it comes to their clothing, especially during the funeral.
Royal traditions for the funeral will play a huge role in shaping the day, with members of the family believed to have known for months in advance what they’ll be wearing. Of course members of the family, extended family and politicians will be wearing black, but there will be other key details incorporated into the outfits.
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, will likely wear black veils on the day with the tradition being in place for decades. Members of the royal family, and non-working royals, will wear a traditional black veil in some form which is known as a “mourning veil”.The veil has been accepted as the “correct etiquette” and allows for privacy while grieving as it allows the face to become slightly hidden.
Mathew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explained that it was Queen Victoria who set the standard for traditional royal mourning clothes. He said: “Mourning dress has been part of European royal culture for centuries, but it reached its peak in the 19th century with the influence of Queen Victoria, who set a standard for the rest of society to follow.
“When her beloved husband died in 1861 she abandoned the colourful clothes of her married life and, with the rest of the royal court, adopted black clothing as an outward sign of grief. Her subjects duly followed suit, causing a rush on suppliers of mourning
.