Queen obeys 'half mourning' royal tradition by tweaking appearance at latest public event
THE QUEEN has indicated that she has officially moved into the final part of her mourning process for Prince Philip by changing her appearance at the State Opening of Parliament.
Queen Elizabeth delivers speech at State Opening of Parliament
The Queen has entered into "half-mourning" for Prince Philip, according to a royal expert. Half mourning is the traditional third part of mourning established during the Victorian era. Royal Central author Lydia Starbuck explained how the monarch followed the etiquette guidelines.
She wrote: "Her Majesty wore grey for the event, one of the traditional colours of half-mourning.
"Her pale dove coat was trimmed with gold and she wore a grey and yellow floral dress underneath.
"Her grey hat featured feathers in the same colour and gold trim.
"She wore a pair of aquamarine clip brooches, given to her by her parents in 1944 as she turned eighteen."
READ MORE: Queen abdication? Prince Charles takeover ‘certainly in mind' of royal
According to historian Sheri Cyprus, plain black clothing is traditionally associated with the first stage of mourning.
The second period features black clothing with trims.
This is typically finally replaced by garments in shades of purple and grey for half-mourning.
White was also acceptable in this late mourning stage.
Queen: Expert discusses health following speech
Ms Starbuck told readers: "[The Queen's] choice of half-mourning for the event follows tradition and a pattern already set since Prince Philip’s death.
"The social media channels of the Royal Family now feature images of the Queen in purple, another colour worn as mourning continues."
The official mourning period for the Royal Family was two weeks.
DON'T MISS
William led investigation into ‘horrendous abuse’ of Meghan and Kate [INSIGHT]
Princess Charlotte leaves royal watchers 'surprised' with appearance [PICTURES]
Kate’s 'anniversary gift' from William leaves royal watchers stunned [VIDEO]
The monarch ordered this after the Duke of Edinburgh's death was announced on April 9.
National mourning for the country lasted for a week and it ended the day after Philip's funeral on April 17.
The Queen's consort was buried in St George's Chapel on the Windsor estate.
Due to coronavirus laws, the ceremony was socially distanced and massively paired down.