Suits you, Your Majesty: The day the world and outfits went black

Following the black protocol

Today, black suits and dresses are staple funeral attire. But for the Royal Family, dressing dark goes way beyond a single day.

There are many protocols that must be adhered to when a high-profile death occurs. One of them is that members must always carry a black outfit with them on their travels in case one happens.

For Her Majesty, as is standard, the wearing of black for royals will continue for some time, with the official period of mourning lasting until a week after her funeral on Monday 19 September.

We want to show respect

Whether you’re a royalist or not, the overriding sentiment is that people are pleased that black suits and attire have been broadly adopted right now.

From the UK to our prime minister, premiers, and the newsreaders here at our very own NBN who have been coming into our shop to stock up on black ties, it shows a huge sign of respect for a lady who was a stoic and dignified mother and grandmother figure to her nation and beyond.

People are taking comfort in this tradition, just as the Queen comforted us through tough times, including COVID. It’s also a nod to the strict adherence to rules and tradition that she lived by.

Wearing black: A global show of grief

There are many other ways people have been paying respect to the Queen since her passing.

These include laying flowers (with marmalade sandwiches) outside her residence, lining the streets on her final journey, signing condolences books, and visiting the coffin. But the wearing of black is one that has stood out on the global stage.

It just shows how much clothing and its colour are connected to how we make sense of our social world. It unites us, displays emotion, and creates context.

Is navy the new black?

As always, Prince William and Prince Harry have bent the rules of tradition.

They were seen stepping out with the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex last Saturday wearing coordinating dark blue suits and ties. Meanwhile, the ladies wore elegant black dresses with heels.

This surprised fans but suggests that navy blue may now be an acceptable colour for mourning. In fact, it was worn by British politician David Cameron at the proclamation ceremony. Prince Charles even wore it at Diana’s funeral.

Rundle’s royal ties

At Rundle Tailoring, the Queen is fondly remembered.

On 9 February 1954, Her Majesty and Prince Philip visited Newcastle as part of her world tour and drove past our shop.

A photo marking the occasion still hangs proudly in our entrance. On the back is a message connecting the Rundle family, our Queen and our region.

Just like many people, we felt we knew her. And as long-time suppliers of black men’s formal wear, we’re appreciating the symbolism more than ever at this time of international mourning. It suits you, Your Majesty.

We’ll be closed on 22 September

To respect the National Day of Mourning on Thursday 22 September, our shop will be closed. However, we will be taking appointments for our out-of-town customers who are unable to reschedule between 9 am and 12 noon.