The Queen’s travel essential inspired by her father—and it’s utterly heartbreaking
The Queen’s travel essential is not a must-have for everyone, but it’s something she reportedly always packs...
![Queen Elizabeth leaves the Hebridean Princess at Stornoway](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Q9e79kYcdPMdnoVsgjFVLR-415-80.jpg)
The Queen reportedly has one travel essential she always packs when she goes abroad and this heartbreaking item is inspired by her father.
- Her Majesty is said to never travel without one very specific outfit after finding herself without it during a royal tour to Kenya.
- It’s long been claimed the Queen ensures she has black clothes with her for trips, and was inspired to do so by the tragedy of losing her father.
- This royal news comes as it’s revealed Prince Charles will have to make an enormous sacrifice when he becomes King.
Everyone has their own must-have items they can’t be without on trips, but the Queen’s travel essential likely won’t be on many people’s lists. From her days as a Princess high up in the royal line of succession, to her decades as the monarch, the Queen has often travelled abroad for important engagements and receptions. Now, as she prepares to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee 2022 with a packed schedule of events in June, it has been nearly seven years since the Queen went abroad.
However, when she does travel anywhere, it’s said there is one item she always takes with her, after being caught out when tragedy struck at the heart of the extended Royal Family.
In February 1952 the Queen’s father King George VI passed away at Sandringham House and it was at the Norfolk estate that she marked this poignant anniversary this year. The then-Princess Elizabeth was told of her father’s death while on a trip to Kenya, leaving Prince Philip to comfort her. And it seems there was one item she’d forgotten to bring with her, never anticipating this sad news.
According to Express.co.uk, her dresser on the flight home from Kenya realized that they’d brought no black mourning clothes in which the new Queen could receive her ministers. Since then it’s now said to be established protocol that when members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, travel they must take a black outfit.
This means that if they do receive heartbreaking news, as the Queen did when her father passed away, the royals are able to mark their respects straight away and don’t appear unprepared. Royal dressing following a loss is a formal affair, as fans observed last year when the Queen’s husband of more than 70 years, Prince Philip, died.
The Royal Family’s strict mourning rules were revealed to all, and throughout the official royal mourning period of two weeks for the Duke of Edinburgh, the royals were expected to wear black or dark clothes. For her first engagement since Prince Philip’s death, the Duchess of Cambridge wore an elegant coat dress in black, while Prince William wore a black suit.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Inspired by the loss of her father, the Queen’s travel essential is a respectful item that ensures she and her relatives are prepared for even the most upsetting of announcements.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
32 eye makeup ideas for women over 40, inspired by our favourite celebrities
Looking for makeup inspiration? Look no further than our edit of the best eye makeup ideas for women over 40 (or any age, for that matter!)
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
32 women who became really successful later in life
Success means different things to different people - but these women hit major milestones in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond
By Grace Walsh Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s ‘unusual’ decision for George, Charlotte and Louis as they ‘can’t undo destiny’
The Prince and Princess of Wales's parenting approach is reportedly quite 'unusual' and they're following in the Middletons' footsteps
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton shares new Prince George photo on his 11th birthday - and he looks so grown up
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new photograph of Prince George to mark his 11th birthday
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton’s ‘quick’ fashion formula for an elegant outfit works with a ‘busy lifestyle’ and we’re taking notes
The Princess of Wales has found a signature style approach that works for her and we love how easy it is to recreate ourselves
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s tradition with Princess Charlotte is so adorable and it shows how much their shared passion means to them
The Princess of Wales revealed that she and Princess Charlotte had taken up a sweet activity together during the Wimbledon championships
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s luxurious Lip Perfector is currently the cheapest it’s been for a very long time and we’re buying several shades
The Princess of Wales was pictured using her Clarins Lip Perfector at Wimbledon in 2019 and we've found it with 20% off right now
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl drop earrings are the most elegant finishing touch to an outfit and this £9 alternative is in our shopping basket
The Princess of Wales is a fan of pearl drop earrings and we've found an affordable option that can help elevate outfits to new heights
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Superga trainers are half price now - making them less than £30
The Princess of Wales's white Superga Cotu Classic trainers are under £30 and they're some of the most versatile shoes you can buy
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Will Kate Middleton be at Wimbledon this year?
The Princess of Wales presents the trophies to the Wimbledon winners and some fans might be curious about if she'll do the same in 2024
By Emma Shacklock Published