The Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk in full ceremonial dress

The Victorians established strict rules governing the wearing of civil and military uniform.  The court coat in black cloth or velvet with waistcoat and breeches formed the basis of dress for men.  Ladies followed rigorous regulations when wearing plumes, feathers, gloves and gowns.

Mourners too followed dress etiquette such as wearing black buckles and buttons in place of bright cut steel.

Court dress is still the everyday wear of  Queen’s Counsel and some judges.  The Serjeant-at-Arms and Assistant Serjeants-at-Arms of Parliament also adopt it.

On ceremonial occasions, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker, the Lord Speaker and other high ranking dignitaries of State and Law all wear court dress of a black cloth court coat waistcoat and breeches, black stockings and buckled shoes.  When attending official functions, High Sheriffs wear black, or darkly coloured velvet court dress with lace trimmings and cut steel buttons and buckles.  The Earl Marshall, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the officers of the Colleges of Arms and Privy Councillors all wear variations of this basic pattern of dress.