All of the royal ladies attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Westminster Abbey today dressed in black to express their grief and honour the longstanding royal clothing etiquette. Kate, Camilla and Sophie were among many women wearing traditional black hats and ‘mourning veils’ to signify their sorrow.
Mourning veils are traditional – though not compulsory – for female members of the royal family, and symbolize the wearer is grieving for a loved one. The headpiece is typically crafted from lace, tulle or fine netting material, and allows the person more privacy when they are wearing it.
Both Kate and Camilla’s netted mourning veils were attached to the front of their hats and extended down to their chins, sitting slightly away from the face.
Meghan Markle wore a black hat without a veil, as did young Princess Charlotte, which is in keeping with royal tradition, as veils are a personal choice.
The mourning veil was popularized by Queen Victoria following the passing of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, but dates long before her time.
Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk told Page Six Style the custom “was often considered to be ‘armour’ and would shield their grief from the public.”
Overtime, the style of mourning veils has changed, from an opaque and long piece of material to a transparent and short accessory.
All royal women are also expected to wear ‘mourning jewellery’, typically pearls as they are thought to symbolize tears of grief.
Queen Elizabeth II honoured the tradition at Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and King George VI’s funerals, and at Prince Philip’s funeral last year, both the late Queen and Kate were seen wearing pearl jewellery.
