Veils are worn in accordance with royal dress codes during times of mourning. Princess Catherine's face can be seen through her veil, and this is intentional; while meant to subtly guard one's visage, they're not meant to hide the face entirely.
In addition to selecting all-black attire, it is tradition (although not compulsory) for female members of the royal family to also wear black veils for state funerals. Known as the mourning veil, the piece is both a practical and symbolic item that signifies sorrow.
“The tradition of mourning veils dates back several centuries, and has a basis in monastic dress,” she said, adding that the piece “was often considered to be 'armour' and would shield their grief from the public.”
At the time, she paired it with a black fascinator, a pair of pearl and diamond earrings and a face mask because of the coronavirus policies in place at the time.
Long worn by practising nuns, veils historically symbolised a mourner's deep remove from everyday life, as well as her chastity and modesty (particularly important for young widows, who could be the subject of vicious gossip, and for whom the mourning period lasted for two years in the 19th century).
Some wondered why the Princess chose to wear a veil, and the answer is simple. Veils are worn in accordance with royal dress codes during times of mourning.
Like non-royal funerals, black is customary – but there is also another rule that the royal ladies, including the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex, must uphold. Both will be sporting traditional black lace mourning veils in some form, as this has been a routine at royal funerals for decades.
Writing in the biography, Tom Bower said the Duchess of Cambridge was 'too fatigued to cope' with a disagreement over whether bridesmaids should wear tights, however ultimately felt they should in order to follow protocol. However he claimed: 'Meghan's insistence was supported by Jessica, the mother of Ivy.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Reportedly Didn't Talk to Each Other at All During the Queen's Funeral Events.
Kate Middleton wore a pearl and diamond necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth to her funeral.
Often Royals will be expected to shake a lot of hands during funerals and large events, so this could be part of the reason that gloves were worn or taken by the women. Another reason is modesty - the Queen wore gloves partially because she wanted to ensure that no part of her arms were exposed.
Meghan Markle wore a black hat without a veil, as did young Princess Charlotte, which is in keeping with royal tradition, as veils are a personal choice. The mourning veil was popularised by Queen Victoria following the passing of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, but dates long before her time.
The accessory, often made from either lace or netting, typically covers the face, offering the wearer an element of privacy while grieving. Both Kate Middleton and Camilla's netted mourning veils are attached to the front of their hats and extend down to the chin, sitting slightly away from the face.
The coffin has been draped in the same flag as it has been while lying in state which is known as the Royal Standard. The flag, featuring the colours red, yellow and blue, represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom and is divided into four sections.
Clothing that was of less historical significance is likely set to be given to family members — and her granddaughters and great-granddaughters could be in for a windfall. “Items from the Queen's personal collection would have been passed to her family members with each chosen personally by Her Majesty.
It showed senior royal women outside Westminster Abbey, where the funeral service for Elizabeth had just taken place, on September 19. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Kate, Camilla and Meghan all curtsy as the queen's coffin passes by during a carriage process that their husbands took part in.
Kate and Pippa's brother James was also not in attendance, but Princess Kate's mother and father Carole and Michael were. While the limited capacity is likely to be the main reason, another reason could be the fact that Pippa gave birth just months ago.
An insider told Us in September 2019 that Kate and Meghan “will never be best friends,” but are “civil” with each other. A second source noted at the time that the two women are “from two totally different worlds.”
Following Queen Elizabeth II's demise, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly 'complained' about being "snubbed and abused" by the Royal Family during the activities surrounding her funeral. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had already arrived in the UK when the Queen passed away.
"You never see a royal without their nude stockings," Arbiter previously told Insider. "I would say that's really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires." Meier added that British royals typically follow that guideline while "performing their royal duties in their professional roles."
According to Prince Harry's account, four days before his wedding Kate sent a message to Meghan saying that her daughter Charlotte was upset at the ill-fitting gown. “Charlotte's dress is too big, too long, too baggy,” the Princess of Wales's text said, according to Harry. “She cried when she tried it on at home.”
Kate is able to purchase some of the items if she wishes, and it comes out of her allowance which is allocated to the family by Prince Charles. Prior to becoming a royal, Meghan was required to pay for all her own clothing, the duchess deemed unable to accept gifts following her royal wedding.
Michael Middleton lifts Catherine's bridal veil at the altar of Westminster Abbey, 29 April 2011.
The Princess wore a black coat dress by Alexander McQueen. Poignantly, we know this because she wore the same coat in white at Trooping the Colour during the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations just three months ago. (Thanks to Gabi for spotting this.) What is this?
Queen Elizabeth's coffin is draped in the Royal Standard before her funeral service in Westminster Abbey on Monday. The flag represents the sovereignty of the monarch and is flown only at royal residences while they are present, or on their vehicles as they travel to other locations.