The Queen of England is known for always wearing pristine white gloves when in public. This tradition dates back centuries and serves both practical and symbolic purposes. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide some quick answers to key questions around the Queen’s glove usage.
Why does she wear gloves?
There are a few main reasons the Queen wears gloves:
- To protect her hands – The gloves act as a barrier and prevent germs from coming into direct contact with the Queen’s skin. This allows her to avoid getting sick from handshakes with the public.
- As an etiquette practice – Proper ladies historically wore gloves as part of formal attire. The Queen upholds this tradition as a mark of elegance and class.
- To conceal her hands – The Queen’s hands sometimes show signs of aging or sun damage. The gloves allow her to keep this private.
When does she wear gloves?
Key occasions when the Queen wears gloves include:
- Public engagements – The Queen always wears her signature gloves when shaking hands with dignitaries, doing walkabouts, unveiling plaques, etc.
- Royal events – From Trooping the Colour to State Openings of Parliament, gloves are part of the Queen’s formal royal uniform.
- Church services – The Queen wears white gloves with her Sunday best to attend church on weekends.
She typically does not wear gloves during more casual events or private moments out of the public eye.
What are the Queen’s gloves made of?
The Queen’s gloves are made from the finest materials:
- Fabric – Cotton, linen or polyester. Must be lightweight and breathable.
- Length – Elbow-length for maximum coverage.
- Color – Bright white. Occasionally black for funerals/Remembrance events.
- Manufacturer – Primarily Cornelia James and Geneviève James.
The gloves are custom-made and hand-stitched for the Queen in Britain. A new pair is created for each public engagement.
How many pairs does she own?
It’s estimated the Queen owns over 200 pairs of gloves. She reportedly goes through at least 4 pairs a week during public outings.
The Queen has an entire room dedicated to storing her impressive glove collection at Buckingham Palace.
Annual Glove Usage
| Engagements per week | Glove pairs used |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4 |
| Engagements per year (average) | 200 |
| Total glove pairs used | 800 |
As shown in the table, with an average of 200 engagements annually, the Queen wears through approximately 800 pairs of gloves each year.
Who assists her with the gloves?
The Queen’s team of dressers, or ladies-in-waiting, help her put on gloves:
- Gloves are laid out with other items of clothing.
- Dressers gently ease the gloves onto the Queen’s hands before engagements.
- Elbow-length gloves are fastened using ribbon hooks at the top.
- If gloves become damaged, dressers sew repairs or provide new pairs.
Wearing gloves requires assistance, as the Queen must keep her hands immobile so the gloves glide on smoothly.
Does she wear gloves while meeting celebrities?
Yes, the Queen typically wears her signature gloves when meeting celebrities and public figures. This includes dignitaries, presidents, performers, athletes and influential individuals who have been received by the Queen.
A few notable examples:
- Marilyn Monroe – White gloves to meet the Hollywood star in 1956.
- The Beatles – Greeted the band members with gloved handshakes in 1965.
- Bill Gates – Exchanged a handshake wearing elegant white gloves with the billionaire in 2005.
- Richard Branson – Shook the entrepreneur’s hand warmly while donning gloves in 2007.
Wearing gloves enables the Queen to observe protocol and avoid skin-to-skin contact when meeting famous figures just as she would with all public interactions.
Does she wear gloves while eating?
No, the Queen removes her gloves before dining to allow full dexterity when handling silverware. Proper etiquette dictates gloves should always be taken off before eating or drinking.
During state banquets or formal receptions involving eating, the Queen will:
- Arrive wearing pristine gloves to greet guests.
- Take her seat and remove gloves, placing them on her lap beneath the table.
- Keep gloves off throughout the meal for ease of eating and drinking.
- Put her gloves back on following the meal if more handshaking is required.
The only exceptions are finger foods such as sandwiches or cake, where the Queen may briefly wear gloves to avoid sticky fingers.
Does she wear gloves while driving?
Typically not. The Queen removes her gloves before getting behind the wheel, as gloves could impair grip on the steering wheel.
Protocol for riding in vehicles is:
- Wear gloves on arrival to the vehicle as part of formal attire.
- Take gloves off and often carry them while seated inside the vehicle.
- Put gloves back on when exiting the vehicle if there is an assembled public to greet.
The Queen has been photographed on occasion wearing gloves while being driven by a chauffeur. However, she tends to go gloveless when driving herself for optimal control.
The Queen’s Rules on Gloves
| Scenario | Gloves worn? |
|---|---|
| Shaking hands with dignitaries | Yes |
| Dining at state banquets | No |
| Receiving flowers from crowds | Yes |
| Driving her own car | No |
| Walking her corgis | No |
As shown, the Queen follows set etiquette rules on when gloves should be worn or removed during various public vs private situations.
Why white gloves specifically?
The color white has special significance attached to the Queen’s gloves:
- Purity – Conveys integrity and high moral standards.
- Cleanliness – Gives an image of being sterile, germ-free.
- Status – Expensive white gloves denote affluence.
- Respect – Honors solemn occasions such as memorials or state funerals.
White gloves are also highly visible for crowds, letting people easily spot the Queen’s waving gloved hand. The bright color suits the Queen’s colorful outfits and regal roles.
Does she wear gloves at home in private?
Almost never. The Queen removes her gloves to relax her hands after public duties.
A few private glove exceptions include:
- Inspecting antique artworks or artifacts to prevent oil damage from skin.
- Handling delicate archival documents and old books.
- Gardening to protect hands from dirt and thorns.
But generally, the Queen goes gloveless at home to allow her hands to breathe comfortably.
Do other royals wear gloves like the Queen?
Yes, many royal women wear gloves inspired by the Queen:
- Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – Favors gloves with heavier embroidery.
- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge – Wears dainty lace gloves to formal occasions.
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex – Has worn elegant gloves on royal tours.
- Princess Anne – Sticks to practical gloves most similar to the Queen’s.
However, no one has embraced the gloves ritual to the same extent as the Queen.
Why does Kate Middleton wear pantyhose?
As a royal family member, Kate Middleton wears pantyhose for some of the same reasons the Queen favors gloves:
- Adheres to tradition – Bare legs were historically seen as improper.
- Appearance – Pantyhose create a smooth, finished look.
- Comfort – Adds warmth and a barrier against chills.
- Etiquette – Considered respectful at formal events.
Kate’s nude or black pantyhose complement her elegant outfits. The Queen’s advice likely influenced Kate’s ongoing hosiery style.
Conclusion
The Queen’s glove usage can seem peculiar today, but serves important purposes for royal functions. Her pristine white gloves reflect tradition, cleanliness and stature. While primarily worn in public, the Queen’s gloves have become an iconic symbol of her reign and feminine elegance.
The expectation to don gloves as formalwear has relaxed over time. But England’s longest ruling monarch continues embracing the gloves as part of her personal fashion identity and leadership brand. For respecting both heritage and hygiene, the Queen’s dedicated glove-wearing is a testament to her dedication and adaptability over 70 years on the throne and counting.