This weekend in Canada and other Commonwealth nations, it will be Remembrance Day. On 11 November, we observe Remembrance Day or Armistice Day where we remember and commemorate armed forces members who have died during conflicts. In the United Kingdom, it is observed on Remembrance Sunday Although the day is very much about those who have passed, reporters and the public still look to the female members of the Royal Family for their fashion. They make very specific choices with this in mind. For Style File Friday this week, we are exploring royal dress on Remembrance Sunday.
What Is Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Sunday is observed in the United Kingdom on the second Sunday in November. 11 November specifically marks the end of the First World War in 1918 (the day that the armistice was signed), and it was first held in 1919. Members of the Royal Family visit the Cenotaph in Whitehall to lay wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers and to watch the ceremony. Typically the monarch will lay a wreath, as well other senior male members of the Royal Family.* (The Princess Royal is the notable exception to this.) Female members of the family will stand on the surrounding balconies to watch.
What do Male Members of The Royal Family Wear on Remembrance Sunday?
Male members of The Royal Family will almost always wear military dress on Remembrance Sunday. As most of them have held positions in various branches of the military themselves and hold multiple honourary positions in the military, they have several uniforms to choose from. There is no rule on what uniform they must wear, either- they will often change which they wear.
What Do Female Members of The Royal Family Wear on Remembrance Sunday?
Female members of The Royal Family will wear black or grey formal day dress on Remembrance Sunday, including a hat. (Occasionally, you might see navy.) They will watch from the surrounding balconies; much is made of their positioning, but it’s typically down to seniority. Because it is a sombre occasion and they are not meant to be the focus, they dress accordingly. You will often see the now-Princess of Wales wearing a repeated coat, or a previous coat now in black for the day. (This ensures that the media and the world at large does not spend their time looking for the coat ID but rather on the occasion.)
We also saw this with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral– the Princess chose to wear an Alexander McQueen coat that she had previously worn in another colour.
They will also all wear poppies, a symbol of Remembrance Day. They will typically wear 2-4 temporary poppies, in addition to a poppy brooch. The royal family’s collection (both shared and personal) includes several different poppy brooches. If out on engagement in the week prior, they will usually wear a temporary poppy then.
Are you familiar with royal dress on Remembrance Sunday?
Cheers,
The Historian
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