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Why did Queen skip wearing black veil at funeral? Monarch's outfit conformed to royal mourning traditions

Black veils are traditionally only worn at the funeral of a sovereign. This is why the Queen, her mother, grandmother Princess Mary, and Princess Margaret wore long black veils at King George VI's state funeral in 1952
UPDATED APR 17, 2021
Queen Elizabeth arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. (Getty Images)

The Queen is preparing to say her final goodbyes to Prince Philip, her beloved husband of 73 years, at his funeral. While the service is a scaled-down event with just 30 attendants due to pandemic guidelines, outfits worn by the family conform to strict funeral traditions.

Queen Victoria became the most famous example of royal mourning attire after she famously wore black clothing for the rest of her life after the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861. Queen Elizabeth has worn a dark outfit for the occasion of Prince Philip's funeral, but her ensemble does not include a black veil. This is in keeping with royal mourning traditions.

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According to Hello! magazine, black veils are traditionally only worn at the funeral of a sovereign. This is why the Queen, her mother, grandmother Princess Mary, and Princess Margaret wore long black veils at King George VI's state funeral in 1952. 

The Dean of Windsor with Queen Elizabeth follow the procession at the Galilee Porch at St George's Chapel during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021, in Windsor, England (Getty Images)

Wearing black clothes while mourning at a funeral has long been accepted as the correct etiquette in western cultures. It is considered a sign of respect for the deceased and their loved ones, according to the magazine.

The Queen remained stoic and resilient as ever as she attended the funeral of her husband on Saturday, April 17. The 94-year-old monarch's ensemble included a black coat dress and a matching face mask hemmed with white trimming. She completed the look with a black matching hat and pearl drop earrings.

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of York attend the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021, in Windsor, England (Getty Images)

The Queen's four children -- Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward -- joined her in grief with their respective wives, husbands, and children. Prince William and Prince Harry lead the way for the funeral procession.

Prince Philip died peacefully on April 9, after loyally serving as the Queen's consort for over seven decades. He was just two months shy of turning 100, but his lifelong service is being remembered as being full of beautiful memories that will be cherished for generations to come. The Queen's tribute outfit is just one reflection of the same.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive in an open carriage on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot on June 16, 2011, in Ascot, England (Getty Images)

Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been laid to rest in the grounds of Windsor Castle. However, his casket will reportedly be moved to where the Queen is buried when she passes.

 

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