Want to See Their Royal Highnesses? Be Prepared: There's a Dress Code
The Duchess of Cambridge is considered one of the most stylish women in the world — and apparently the subjects surrounding her need to stick to similar sartorial standards.
Reporters applying to cover Prince William and Kate Middleton’s impending visit to the U.S. have been gently reminded by Buckingham Palace officials that there’s a dress code policy for proper dressing when one is on the U.K.’s First Family beat.
“Journalists wishing to cover royal engagements, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, should comply with the dress code on formal occasions out of respect for the guests of the queen, or any other member of the royal family,” the official rules state.
Both sexes are expected to wear “smart attire,” according to the Clarence House website. For men, a proper ensemble means a jacket and tie and for women a “trouser or skirt suit” is necessary. Additionally, those that dare to wear denim or sneakers — also known as “trainers” across the pond — will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away.
While these types of conservative fashion rules might come as a shock to members of the media in New York who consider jeans without holes in them to be pretty classy (I for one will be heading to the nearest tailor to get my uniform ready), D.C. press people are well aware of these kinds of procedures.
The current congressional “Guide for Reporters” says “appropriate attire, such as jacket and tie for men, is required at all times” and no hats are permitted. House Speaker John Boehner has even called out colleagues for not abiding by the laws of fashion. While D.C. doesn’t have strict instructions for womenswear, the White House has, in the past, obstructed ladies from donning pants suits.
A Palace spokeswoman confirmed to the Telegraph that the dress code would be in effect but noted that there weren’t any reminders sent out. Their Royal Highnesses will be coming to America on Dec. 7 so at least that gives those writers without a suitable suit two weeks — and Black Friday — to get ready.
