The stages of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II have followed one another since the announcement of her death on September 8.
The opportunity to follow the official protocol of mourning, and to observe the clothing choices of the protagonists of this historic event.
This September 14, the queen's coffin follows its path which leads it from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Palace, escorted by the entire royal family.
Among its members, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are distinguished by a common choice of accessory: the veil.
The two Windsor wives sported black coats and hats, a tambourine for the Princess of Wales and a fascinator for the Duchess of Sussex, both adorned with veils.
A detail that is important.
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The Princess of Wales and Prince Harry's wife in Westminster during the procession for the Queen's funeral.
(London, September 14, 2022.) Abaca
Mourning and discretion
Inherited from a long monarchical tradition, the veil is one of the essentials of the funeral attire of members of the royal family.
A "mourning veil" is an outward sign of affliction.
In the 19th century, it could go down to the shoulders, or even to the waist, as was observed during the funeral of George VI in 1952.
The Windsors, a united clan for the arrival of the coffin of Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall
In images, in pictures
See the slideshow15 photos
See the slideshow15 photos
Beyond the symbol, wearing the veil has a practical aspect: it offers privacy to the wearer, more discretion to express their pain.
Recently, it has given way to a more modern and shorter form, most often in tulle, as can be seen on Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton.
An essential accessory for members of the royal family, active or not.
And that we will undoubtedly find on September 19 at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.