Yeoman Warders reveal change of uniform ahead of King Charles' coronation
Ahead of the coronation of King Charles, the Tower of London's Yeoman Warders – better known as the 'Beefeaters' – have revealed a change to their iconic uniform.
Since the Yeoman Body was created in 1485 by King Henry VII, their uniforms have continued to evolve through the centuries.
The Yeoman Warders will now wear new uniforms emblazoned with 'CIIIR', the cypher of King Charles III, ahead of his coronation on 6 May.
According to Historic Royal Palaces: "It was Queen Elizabeth I who first decided to have the sovereign's initials embroidered on the State Dress in 1570."
Yeoman Warders will continue to wear a daily uniform known as 'Blue Undress', which will feature the large Royal crown in red, below which is the insignia of the reigning monarch.
There are two uniforms for the Yeoman Body.
State Dress is worn for ceremonial occasions, for example, when the monarch visits the tower or for any state occasion that the Yeoman Body attends.
It is mostly scarlet and gold with red stockings, a white ruff, and black, buckled shoes. On a normal day, the Yeoman Warders wear their blue uniform, which has different weights for summer and winter – this is the uniform that visitors will see in use day to day at the Tower of London.
The Yeoman Warder Blue Undress uniforms have been made by the workers of Kashket & Partners, specialist designers and suppliers of ceremonial, parade, corporate and formal wear.
Each new Blue Undress uniform takes a minimum of 30 hours to complete, with one jacket's weight ranging from 2.3kg to 3kg.
Pete McGowran, Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London, said: "We are delighted to be able to unveil these new uniforms in the week preceding the coronation, continuing the Yeoman Body's proud and long-standing association with the monarchy.
"It will be an honour and a proud moment for us all to wear them in this very special week."
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