Thus, upon her arrival in London, Queen Elizabeth II does not immediately leave the plane. A black outfit is brought to her so she can change before appearing in public. Wearing a black coat paired with a black hat, she then steps onto the tarmac at Heathrow Airport, where Prime Minister Winston Churchill is waiting for her.
This episode, as memorable as it was embarrassing, led to a lasting change in royal protocol. Since then, all members of the royal family have routinely packed a black outfit for their official trips.
Furthermore, in 1992, this dress code was observed when Princess Diana’s father, Lord Spencer, passed away while she was in the Alps skiing with her husband, Prince Charles. For the return trip, the royal couple was therefore, in keeping with tradition, dressed entirely in black.
Originally published by Vanity Fair France
