King Charles Axes a Century-Old Royal Dress Code Ahead of Buckingham Palace Return

King Charles, after meeting volunteers taking part in a litter picking session during a beach clean-up initiative organised by local environmental group 'Deal With It.' (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby)

Jul. 16 2025, Updated 08:45 AM. ET

The royal family, deeply rooted in their traditions and customs, takes dress codes very seriously. However, King Charles recently scrapped one ahead of his return to Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing renovation. The monarch has axed a rule that made it mandatory for royal family members and staff to wear all white while playing tennis on Palace grounds.

(Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe congratulate each other on the court of a charity tennis event at Buckingham Palace. Image Source: Getty Images | Ken Goff) — Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe congratulate each other on the court of a charity tennis event at Buckingham Palace. (Image Source: Getty Images | Ken Goff)

According to The Times, now the all-white dress code is ‘preferred’ for those willing to play the sport on Palace grounds, but ‘not essential.’ The rule has been longstanding since the construction of the Buckingham Palace tennis court in 1919, during the reign of King George V, who loved the sport. Over the years, the court has also been used for various charity events, including one that was held in 2000 to benefit the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Full Stop Campaign. In the match, legends Björn Borg and John McEnroe faced each other, with many members of the royal family hitting the stands as spectators. Kate Middleton, who is known to be an avid fan of the sport since childhood, has also played on the Palace courts numerous times.

(Kate Middleton playing tennis on No.3 Court at The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Image Source: Getty Images | Handout) — Kate Middleton plays tennis on No.3 Court at The All England Lawn Tennis Club. (Image Source: Getty Images | Handout)

This is, however, not the first time that the sovereign has changed a long-standing rule after ascending to the throne, including having changed one for his own coronation. In May 2023, for the official ceremony of him being crowned the new monarch, he was expected to appear in traditional attire. But Charles opted for a specially made outfit for the ceremony, ditching the silk stockings and breeches typically worn for the ceremony. He also did not wear his full military uniform, like many had expected. Instead, Charles wore a vintage crimson Coronation Tunic, a Robe of State, and a cream-colored silk overshirt, according to The Telegraph. For bottoms, he kept it simple with his Royal Naval trousers. He wore a tunic which had a similar design to that worn by King George V and King George VI at their respective coronations.

(King Charles III after being crowned during the coronation ceremony. Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown) — King Charles III, after being crowned during the coronation ceremony. (Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown)

The monarch also eased the dress code for the members of his family for his special day. His wife, Camilla, who was also crowned as the Queen consort along with Charles, donned an elegant white gown by Bruce Oldfield with the late Queen Elizabeth’s coronation robe and accessorized it with the diamond Coronation Necklace. Middleton, who became the Princess of Wales upon Charles' accession to the throne, went for a leaf-embroidered headpiece instead of a tiara for the occasion. Her daughter Princess Charlotte also opted for a similar accessory. Prince George, meanwhile, got special permission from Charles to wear trousers instead of tights as page boy. Among all, it was Prince William who kept up with the traditions and wore the ceremonial dress typically worn.