Court Uniform and Dress in The United Kingdom - Court Uniform - Origin, Development and Detail of The Design - 20th Century

20th Century

A sixth class of civil uniform was introduced after the First World War, that of Privy Counsellors. Thereafter, the embroidery measured 5 inches (13 cm) for the new class, 4+1⁄₂ inches (11 cm) for 1st class, and 4 inches (10 cm) for 2nd class; whereas the 3-inch (7.6 cm) lace for 3rd class, 2-inch (5.1 cm) for 4th class and 3⁄₈-inch (0.95 cm) for 5th class were replaced by 1-inch (2.5 cm) gold lace. In 1937 Ministers got Privy Council uniform. In 1908, 1912, they were still 1st class uniform. The gold oak lace stripe for Privy Counsellors trousers measured 2+1⁄₂ inches (6.4 cm), as did 1st and 2nd classes. The trouser stripes of the 3rd class remained 2 inches (5.1 cm), but that of 4th and 5th was now 1+3⁄₄ inches (4.4 cm). From the early 20th century the Privy Counsellors, 1st and 2nd classes' levée coatee embroidery was extended to include the centre back waist as well as the collar, cuffs and pocket flaps.

For Privy Counsellors, on both levée and full dress coatees the embroidery had a purl edging; the cocked hat was similar to that of the 1st class, but with additional hangers on the gold tassels.

In 1908, white gloves were still mentioned in the regulations, while in 1912 they were not, and the 1937 regulation said that they are not worn.

Edward VII ordered Privy Counsellors to wear civil uniform at Privy Council meetings, but this requirement has lapsed. In lieu of Civil Uniform or Court Dress, alternative dress may be worn by gentlemen (except for Household, Diplomatics and Consular Services) on all occasions when uniform or court dress is prescribed.