Prince Philips funeral: the history of royal funeral looks

Long tradition
The history of royal mourning clothing

Queen Elizabeth, Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, and Queen Mum at the Duke of Windsor’s funeral in 1972.

© Getty Images

There are protocols and traditions for the royals even after the death of a loved one. The royal family will appear in mourning clothing for the funeral of Prince Philip, who died on April 9, 2021. What that means

Since the death of Prince Philip, † 99, some details about his funeral on April 17, 2021 have been announced. The procedure, guest list and also the dress code are set. Queen Elizabeth, 94, decides: None of the guests will appear in military uniform, mourning clothes will be worn.

It is the first time since the death of Queen Mum, † 101, almost twenty years ago that the British royals have buried a high-ranking family member. In April 2002, Queen Elizabeth showed up with a black coat, black gloves, a black hat with feathers and pearl jewelry. Although the funeral service will be smaller than planned due to the pandemic, there are traditions that must be observed when choosing mourning clothing. Women are expected to wear black outfits, dark tights and jewelry only if they have a special meaning; men should wear black coats, suits and ties.

Queen Elizabeth II carries the funeral to her mother "Dorset Bow"Brooch, which she wore repeatedly on important family occasions in the past.

Queen Elizabeth II wears the “Dorset Bow” brooch at her mother’s funeral, which she wore repeatedly on important family occasions in the past.

© Dana Press

Queen Victoria wore black for 40 years in mourning

This tradition was particularly shaped by Queen Victoria, who after the death of Prince Albert in 1861 publicly mourned her husband, who died unexpectedly, and wore black for forty years – until her own death. “Mourning clothing has been a part of European aristocratic culture for centuries, but it reached its climax in the 19th century through the influence of Queen Victoria. It set a standard that has been followed by society ever since,” Matthew Storey told the British Telegraph. Storey is the curator of the “Historic Royal Palaces” organization, which exhibits royal ceremonial clothing.

Queen Elizabeth mourned the death of her mother in white – and excited

When the mother of Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mum) died in 1938, shortly before she was to embark on an important trip to France with King George VI, mourning clothing once again became a major issue. Because it was to be the first trip abroad since the abdication of King Edward VIII and a ray of hope in the dark post-war period, the royal couturier, Norman Hartnell, was inspired by medieval royals such as Mary I, Queen of Scotland, and chose white mourning clothes. Instead of colorful looks, he created a completely white travel wardrobe; Robes, coats, capes and even hats that were presented in France. Despite the sad occasion, the response was overwhelming. “No cloakroom from modern times has aroused more interest than the Queen’s state cloakroom for her visit to Paris,” says an article in the Telegraph from July 1938.

Queen Mum appeared entirely in white during her state visit to Paris in July 1938.  Her mother had died just a few days earlier.

Queen Mum appeared entirely in white during her state visit to Paris in July 1938. Her mother had died just a few days earlier.

© Dana Press

Royals don’t travel without a black outfit in their luggage

Somewhat better known is the story behind the tradition that royals never travel without a black mourning outfit in their luggage: Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, was in Kenya with Prince Philip when she heard the news of the death of her father, King George VI , reached in 1952. The then 25-year-old began her return journey immediately, but had a black dress brought to the plane that she could wear on arrival in England. So she got off the plane in an elegant black coat dress with brooch and hat – in keeping with the sad occasion of her return.

At the funeral of King George VI, his wife and two daughters, Elizabeth (center) and Margaret (right) wear long black veils.

At the funeral of King George VI, his wife and two daughters, Elizabeth (center) and Margaret (right) wear long black veils.

© Getty Images

Princess Diana relies on eye-catching jewelry

She presented the most famous mourning look of Princess Diana, † 36, at the funeral of Grace Kelly in 1982. She wore a black, high-necked dress and a striking necklace with a heart pendant. She also combined a black hat with a wide velvet border.

Lady Diana appears alone at the funeral of Grace Kelly in Monaco in 1982.  The engagement ring that Duchess Catherine wears today sparkles on her hand.

Lady Diana appears alone at the funeral of Grace Kelly in Monaco in 1982. The engagement ring that Duchess Catherine wears today sparkles on her hand.

© Getty Images

Both at the private funeral of Queen Elizabeth’s sister Margaret, † 71, in 2002, and at the funeral service of Princess Diana, † 36, in 1997, the royal guests appeared in mourning clothes. The British royals only appear in black at funeral services and on “Remembrance Day”, which is celebrated annually in November in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Sources used: telegraph.co.uk, tatler.com, hellomagazine.com, own research

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