The Modern Monarchy and Clothes


Figure 1.--The sailor suit was a favotite of the British royals. It is no coincidence that the Royal Navy was the most popular institution in Britain. George V's boys began wearing sailor suits even before breechingb and wore them until their early teens.

The clothing reflects the gradual changes in the role of European monarchies, which in Europe over the past two centuries, certainly, has become subordination to popularly elected officials. The monarchy has passed, largely, from serious governmental responsibilities to ceremonial, symbolic duties. This observation is cast in general terms, because occasionally European monarchs must and do intervene in their country's political and economic systems. HBRC believes that 19th century monarchies has a substantial impact on children's fashions. That role has declined in the 20th century, but is probably not totally absent.

Role

The clothing of European princes reflects the gradual changes in the role of the monarchy, which in Europe over the past two centuries, certainly, has become subordination to popularly elected officials. The monarchy has passed, largely, from serious governmental responsibilities to ceremonial, symbolic duties. This observation is cast in general terms, because occasionally European monarchs must and do intervene in their country's political and economic systems. Prince Rainier of Monaco, for instance, is "CEO" of the principality. The late King Baudoin of Belgium was a unifying force in his linguistically and culturally divided nation.

Image

The image that royal families sought to project from time immemorial was one of majesty, to set itself off from the common people. Sumtory laws were common. Ceratain colors such as purple or furs like ermine were reserved to the royal or imperial family. This changed with Victoria and the 19th century. Victoria and Albert sought to position theselves very differently. The sailor suits based on the uniform of enlisted personnel was one exasmple of this. Another example was the princes were seen in roles that ordinary boys might be involoved.

Parody

Royal families, though, are considered expensive anachronisms and targets for caustic wit by many moderns. The Windsors might say to that, "TELL us about it!" The modern mass media, intrusive and relentless, has accelerated the "popularization" of royal families with its candid photos and revealing stories. It seems natural that the royals would follow changes in popular fashions and tastes. A century plus ago, those trends dictated sailor suits; today, trendy designer clothes.

Influence

HBRC believes that 19th century monarchies has a substantial impact on children's fashions. As time went on the royals not only set fashions, but were more and more influenced by contemporary fashion trends. That role has declined in the 20th century, but is probably not totally absent. In addition modern princes, even realtively young ones have their own ideas about fashions. Modern kings and queens can't dictate the clothes worn by their children as was once the case.






Christopher Wagner









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Created: February 14, 2001
Last updated: February 18, 2001