Until 1939 all dress worn at court was strictly codified by the Lord Chamberlain's Office, a Department of the Royal Household. This watercolour was one of the 'Sketches of typical Court Dress' mentioned in the printed instructions (still attached to the design) as being available for viewing at St James's Palace by those due to visit court. According to the instructions, 'coloured feathers are inadmissible', and the veil and train should not exceed 45 inches and two yards respectively.

The Royal Collection © 2004 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II