Royal fashion isn’t just about looking elegant—it’s a carefully curated tradition steeped in symbolism, history, and protocol. The British royal family, in particular, follows an unspoken yet rigid dress code that dictates everything from the colors they wear to the accessories they carry. These guidelines ensure that each public appearance conveys a message of continuity, respect, and adherence to royal customs. While some rules are widely recognized—such as the preference for modest silhouettes and formal attire at official events—others are more obscure, like the requirement to always travel with a black outfit in case of an unexpected royal death.
Color plays a particularly vital role in this sartorial tradition. Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her vibrant wardrobe, a deliberate choice to ensure she remained visible in large crowds. In contrast, black is strictly reserved for mourning, with very few exceptions. Royals must also avoid wearing the same color as the monarch during group events—an unwritten rule that Meghan Markle highlighted in her Netflix docuseries. She often opted for neutral tones like beige and camel to prevent overshadowing senior royals, a strategic choice that reflects the hierarchy embedded in royal fashion.
Beyond aesthetics, these dress codes reinforce the monarchy’s image of stability and decorum. Hats are worn at formal daytime events but removed after 6 p.m. in favor of tiaras, which are reserved for married women at white-tie occasions. Even nail polish is regulated—bright colors are discouraged, with Queen Elizabeth favoring Essie’s pale pink “Ballet Slippers.” These seemingly small details contribute to a broader tradition of discipline and uniformity, ensuring that royal attire remains a visual extension of the institution’s centuries-old legacy.
Which Royal Families Follow This Unique Rule?
The British royal family, particularly the House of Windsor, is the primary monarchy that adheres to a strict color-coded dress protocol on special occasions. This tradition ensures that royal attire conveys symbolic meaning while maintaining a clear hierarchy within the family. One of the most well-known rules is the restriction on wearing black outside of mourning periods. Historically, this custom dates back to Queen Victoria, who famously wore black for the rest of her life after Prince Albert’s death in 1861. Today, members of the royal family are required to pack a black outfit when traveling, ensuring they can immediately adopt mourning attire if necessary.
Color coordination also plays a significant role in public appearances. Queen Elizabeth II was known for wearing bright, monochromatic outfits to make herself easily identifiable in crowds. In contrast, Meghan Markle revealed in her Netflix docuseries that she opted for neutral tones—beige, camel, and white—so as not to overshadow senior royals like Queen Elizabeth and Princess Kate. Additionally, it is considered improper for a royal to wear the same color as the monarch at group events, reinforcing the Queen’s visual prominence.
Beyond the British monarchy, other royal families also follow dress codes, but none as rigidly structured. While European monarchies such as the Swedish and Dutch royal families observe formal attire traditions, the British monarchy remains the most documented in terms of its color-based regulations.
The Symbolism of Colors in Royal Ceremonies
Colors in royal attire are never chosen at random. Every shade carries centuries of tradition, symbolism, and cultural significance, particularly within the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, was known for her vibrant wardrobe—a conscious decision to ensure she remained easily visible in large crowds. This practice, often referred to as “visibility dressing,” allowed the public to spot the monarch even from a distance. Princess Kate has since adopted this approach, frequently wearing bright hues during public engagements.
Beyond practicality, color selection also serves a diplomatic purpose. During state visits, royals often wear colors that reflect the host country as a gesture of respect. For example, at official events like Wimbledon, royal attendees may don shades associated with the event or its location. This sartorial diplomacy strengthens international ties while showcasing cultural awareness.
However, not all colors are worn freely. Black, for example, is strictly reserved for funerals and mourning periods. The rule is so rigid that royals must always pack a black outfit when traveling in case of an unexpected bereavement. This protocol was reinforced after Queen Elizabeth II had to wait for a black dress to be delivered before she could return to Britain following King George VI’s death.
Even accessories follow specific traditions. Hats, a staple of royal fashion, adhere to strict timing rules: they are worn during the day but removed after 6 p.m., when tiaras become the appropriate headpiece. These seemingly small details reflect the deeply ingrained etiquette that governs royal appearances, ensuring that every outfit aligns with historical precedent, symbolism, and practicality.
How This Rule Has Changed Over Time
The royal family’s strict dress code has evolved over time, balancing deep-rooted traditions with modern sensibilities. Historically, Queen Elizabeth II set a precedent by wearing bright, monochromatic outfits to ensure she stood out in public appearances. This practice became a signature of her reign, reinforcing her visibility and presence. However, other members of the royal family have gradually adapted their wardrobe choices, sometimes deviating from these long-standing norms.
One of the most notable shifts occurred with Princess Diana, who occasionally wore black for evening events, despite the traditional rule reserving black attire solely for mourning. Similarly, Meghan Markle revealed in her Netflix docuseries that she often chose neutral tones like beige and camel to avoid overshadowing senior royals, a strategic decision reflecting the unspoken hierarchy within the family. Even Prince Harry and Meghan have embraced more subdued color palettes, demonstrating a subtle departure from rigid sartorial expectations.
Despite these changes, certain rules remain steadfast. Royals are still required to pack a black outfit while traveling in case of a sudden bereavement—a practice stemming from Queen Elizabeth II’s experience in 1952 when she had to wait for a black dress before disembarking her plane after King George VI’s death. While the monarchy has adjusted to contemporary fashion trends, the symbolism of color in royal attire continues to bridge the past with the present.
The Most Memorable Moments When It Was Enforced
Royal dress codes often seem like relics of a bygone era, but there have been moments when these rules were enforced with remarkable precision. One of the most famous instances occurred in 1952, when then-Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya and received the devastating news of her father, King George VI’s death. As royal protocol dictated that she must be seen in black mourning attire upon her return, she was forced to wait inside the plane until an appropriate outfit was brought to her. This incident cemented the rule that all royal family members must travel with a black ensemble in case of sudden bereavement—a practice still followed today.
Equally striking is the royal tradition of wearing bright colors for visibility. Queen Elizabeth II was known for her vivid, monochromatic outfits, ensuring she stood out in large crowds. Her strategic use of color was more than just a fashion statement; it was a deliberate choice to make herself easily recognizable to the public. This tradition continues with modern royals like Kate Middleton, who frequently adopts bold hues for public engagements.
Royal wedding fashion also follows strict guidelines. Every royal bride must have her dress approved by the reigning monarch, ensuring the design aligns with tradition. This was evident in Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding to Prince William, where her elegant white gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen adhered to royal expectations.
Even in recent years, these dress codes have influenced royal appearances. Meghan Markle, during her tenure as a working royal, often opted for neutral tones like beige and camel. As she later revealed in her Netflix docuseries, this was a strategic choice to avoid clashing with or overshadowing senior royals, particularly Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Kate (source: ABC News).
These moments underscore how the British royal family’s fashion choices are far from arbitrary. Whether dictated by mourning traditions, visibility needs, or hierarchy considerations, their attire is a carefully curated aspect of their public image—one that continues to be meticulously enforced.
Other Unusual Fashion Rules for Royals
The British royal family is known for its meticulous dress codes, but beyond the well-publicized rules about colors and formal attire, there are lesser-known fashion protocols that royals must follow. These guidelines, steeped in tradition, govern everything from accessories to grooming choices, ensuring that every public appearance aligns with historical customs and royal expectations.
One of the more unexpected rules involves clutch purses, which royal women use not just as accessories but as subtle communication tools. Queen Elizabeth II famously used her handbag to signal when she wanted to end a conversation, while Princess Diana strategically held her clutch against her chest when exiting vehicles to avoid wardrobe mishaps. Similarly, nail polish choices are strictly regulated—bright colors are prohibited, and only neutral, natural shades are permitted. Queen Elizabeth consistently wore Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” a pale pink shade that became synonymous with her understated elegance.
Beyond accessories, grooming expectations are equally rigid. Queen Elizabeth strongly preferred clean-shaven men, and while facial hair isn’t outright banned, it has historically been discouraged unless the royal in question is serving in the military. Dress length is another area of scrutiny—royal women are expected to wear knee-length skirts or dresses, with shorter hemlines deemed inappropriate for official engagements. Even young boys follow a strict dress code, wearing shorts instead of trousers until around the age of eight, a tradition linked to British class distinctions.
Headwear also plays a significant role in royal fashion etiquette. Hats are required for formal daytime events but should not be worn in the evening. Tiaras, on the other hand, are reserved exclusively for married royal women and are typically worn only at white-tie events. These dazzling headpieces signify both status and marital availability, reinforcing long-standing aristocratic customs.
Another unusual but strictly enforced rule involves travel attire. Royals must always pack a black outfit when traveling abroad. This precautionary measure ensures that they are appropriately dressed in the event of an unexpected death in the family, a protocol that dates back to Queen Elizabeth II’s experience when her father, King George VI, passed away while she was in Kenya. Without a mourning outfit readily available, she had to wait aboard the plane until suitable attire was provided before disembarking.
Even wedding dresses are subject to royal approval. A bride marrying into the royal family must have her gown approved by the reigning monarch, ensuring that it meets the standards of modesty and tradition. Typically, these dresses are white or cream, featuring long sleeves and intricate detailing that align with royal customs.
These strict yet fascinating rules highlight the level of detail that goes into maintaining royal decorum. Each guideline, whether concerning accessories, grooming, or attire, serves to uphold the family’s timeless image, reinforcing the blend of tradition and symbolism that defines royal fashion.
