The wardrobe selection made byKate Middletonand other appendage of the British regal family are highly scrutinized for both fashion and correctitude . Between hats , tiaras , andvibrantly colored outfitsfor the woman , and rather glamorously adorned military ensembles for the work force , the royal family almost always stands out in a crowd . But there ’s a time and position to just fall apart dark , and it ’s after the destruction of a relation .
In case a relative authorize aside while family members are travel , every person must pack a single , all - black-market getup , Marie Clairereports . This undertake that they ’ll be dressed respectfully when seen in public after the annunciation .
The sensible policy arose after a real - life snafu in 1952 , which fans of Netflix’sThe Crownmay recollection having been depicted during the first time of year of the series . Then - PrincessElizabethhad been call Kenya with her husbandPrince Philipwhen her father , King George VI , died from lung cancer . The unseasoned couple promptly returned to England , but Elizabeth did n’t have any appropriately sombre clothing in her traveling bag . She stay on the plane until somebody brought her a black outfit .
newscaster must also have ablack kit on standby , in case they have to report on the death of aroyal familymember . Eagle - eyed BBC viewersnoticedthe station ’s broadcasters had changed into dark dress shortly before announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 ; they were following the protocol outlined in “ Operation London Bridge . ”
The all - black rule is one of many other mode regulations that regularise the royals . Some are equally practical , like endure baseball mitt to prevent the spread of source or weighing down hemlines with midget lead curtain weights to preventMarilyn Monroemoments . Others , like subtle nail polish colors and pantyhose , center on decorousness .
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This story originally ran in 2019 ; it has been update for 2025 .
