New details about the dress code at Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral are emerging, and for the first time ever, women will be permitted to wear trouser suits.
Dress code protocols at royal events typically mention that women should wear some form of dress, and it is believed that this is the first time that trouser suits will be an option for female guests.
The details emerged after a funeral invitation was viewed by the press, revealing the complex guidance for attendees.
In addition to women being able to wear trouser suits, they also have the option to wear day dress and hats while men are encouraged to wear morning dress or lounge suits. Attendees can wear their decorations as well.
For those serving the Armed Forces, they are required to wear full ceremonial dress with mourning bands but cannot bring their swords.
Guests have also been warned of the extensive security operations in place, and have been told not to bring excessive luggage or cameras, only handbags and rain accessories will be permitted in.
All attendees of Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral will be required to pass through ‘airport-style’ security at a location off-site before being permitted entrance at Westminster Abbey, and will need to show two forms of identification as well as proof of address.
The news of updated dress codes comes as the United Kingdom prepares for its most complex security operation, and indeed the biggest gathering of world leaders and dignitaries perhaps ever.
Over 500 world leaders have been invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral; guests including politicians and foreign royalty have been told to arrive at Westminster Abbey between 9:45-10:40 am on Monday. General guests have been asked to start arriving at 8:00 am and to be seated by 9:30 am.
The late Queen Elizabeth II will depart Westminster Hall at 10:45 am for a short procession, followed by members of the Royal Family, to the Abbey for the UK’s first state funeral since Sir Winston Churchill’s in 1965.
