Why don't kings and queens wear their royal regalia that often anymore? All today's kings wear these days is a simple suit. I understand that robes and crowns might seem a little antiquated in the modern world, but they are still tradition. It seems like the only time a monarch has on his majestic robes and crown is for the coronation. It wouldn't cost any money to wear them more often, since the regalia already exists. It just seems like this would help exemplify the prestige and splendor embodied in the monarchy.
2007-02-23 16:52:46 · 6 answers · asked by bcwhite88 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Royalty
Maybe you're just mistaken as to what they used to wear?
2007-02-24 14:26:51 · answer #1 · answered by Dethruhate 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Queen of Britain wears a crown and a long robe every November at the opening of parliament. I don't think there was ever a time when kings wore their crowns all the time, but as long as they still wear ribbons, stars and medals this sets them apart. They also dress up in robes and feathery hats for the church services of the different orders of knighthood, which happen every year.
For the sorts of things they do everyday, like visiting hospitals and schools, etc., it would look odd to wear their very best. It would cease to be special if they wore it too much, though there is one Scandanavian monarchy which no longer uses crowns at all. I agree that if you have a monarchy, you might as well enjoy all the trappings of it.
I would worry more that people like Commonwealth governors general, colonial governors and ambassadors no longer dress up. Canada's governor general wore an appalling pantsuit and untucked blouse to her own swearing-in, and neither her husband nor the PM wore a morning coat. As the representative of the Queen she should have shown a little more class, and given that it was a special occasion, they could have made more of an effort.
2007-02-24 04:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by Dunrobin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the English monarchy is a constitutional monarchy- the monarchy is a figurehead, the parliament has all the real power. Even when the king was the supreme ruler, they didn't wear the full regalia. They full regalia is mostly for state or very important functions, for example coronations. Elizabeth, for instance, wears tiaras and fancy jewelry on occasion, just not on a daily basis.
2007-02-23 19:23:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kelli M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know how heavy and hot those robes and crowns are? Good lord... go take a tour of the London tower and see the crown jewels for yourself... They've gotta be hot, uncomfortable, difficult to move in, weigh a ton and cost a fortune to upkeep and repair. There are varying types of crowns- Formal, Informal, Everyday, and Tiaras... FYI they wear crowns more often than you know- you just don't see them so much because they're mostly worn at private functions/events and meetings...
2007-02-23 17:11:58 · answer #4 · answered by annathespian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if they wore it all the time, it would get damaged and would have to be repared. They take on the modern look so that they are treated just like any other high official. Plus, I would think the traditional outfit would be uncomfortable.
2007-02-23 16:58:49 · answer #5 · answered by herbritannicmajesty68 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I havent got a clue 88, its just another sign of the times. Hhahaha
2007-02-23 16:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋