What is The Royal Family’s dress code? From Prince George’s shorts to the Queen’s gloves and Meghan’s shoulders
IT'S unlikely we’ll ever see the Duchess of Cambridge in an old pair of leggings or the Queen strolling about in a pair of trainers and the reason for it lies in the strict royal dress code.
From Prince George’s shorts to Prince William’s beige chinos and Meghan Markle's alleged faux pas, here we explain the wardrobe rules the royals have to follow...
Why does Prince George always wear shorts?
William Hanson claims that shorts on young boys are a silent British class marker and trousers are deemed “suburban” – something no self-respecting royal would want to be considered.
He told The Sun Online: “Not only does The Duchess of Cambridge have to worry about dressing herself but she has to dress her own children appropriately.
"She has to find a balance between royal tradition, heritage and more proletariat customs, such as the ‘suburban’ habit of making young boys wear trousers."
William said the dress code harks back to historic traditions that state "shorts are for little boys, trousers are for men" and he probably won't wear trousers until he's around seven or eight years old.
Although he did break with tradition at his uncle's wedding by wearing trousers.
Why does the Queen wear gloves?
The Queen is rarely seen without her gloves, which are often Michael Jackson-esque white or a dark-toned leather to match her handbag.
The monarch wears these for practical reasons during the daytime as she is frequently required to shake hands with hundreds of people.
This fashion item helps stop germs being spread from person to person.
Long opera gloves are worn for formal evening events such as state banquets.
Why does Prince William often wear chinos?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge must adhere to a dress code when they’re out and about at informal events, too.
For women, a smart day dress or trousers teamed with a blazer is deemed acceptable, while men opt for a collared shirt with chinos.
Wills is often seen in the smart day trousers, but has on occasion broken the rules and worn jeans.
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold, known as The Royal Butler, told the : “"Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes.
"But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans are fine."
Why does Kate wear tiaras now?
Before her wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge wasn’t seen in public wearing a tiara.
This is because glamorous headpieces are typically reserved for married women.
Tiaras are traditionally worn at formal events, and are used as a “sign of status”.
Harrold told the BBC: “The old rule is that hats are never worn indoors after 6pm, because that is when the ladies changed into evening dress, and tiaras and the family jewels would come out.”
He added: “For married ladies, it was a sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a husband.
"For the gentleman, it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the lady in question."
What dress code rule did Meghan Markle break?
Meghan Markle set fashion tongues wagging after appearing at her first Trooping the Colour looking every inch the modern-day Princess in a bespoke creation by Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera.
However, the Suits-actress-turned-princess has already overlooked one Royal fashion rule: exposing her shoulders.
Fashion tradition usually dictates that royal women do not wear off-shoulder or other more revealing styles.
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Why does the Queen often wear bright colours?
The Queen is always seen in vibrant, jewel-toned outfits.
She often wears one bright colour, from pinks and yellows to greens and blues, from head to toe.
This is said to ensure she is the main attraction at every occasion and can be easily spotted by fans.
She is reported to have once said: “If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.”