King Charles has reportedly been “lumbered with the expense” after reversing a policy made by his “frugal” mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has left him with one major issue
King Charles has reportedly made an unfortunate discovery after reversing the policy(Image: Getty)
King Charles has made an unfortunate discovery after reversing a policy made by his “frugal” mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, it has been claimed. Charles has now reportedly set out to rectify the issue, which involves royal livery “for the Royal Mews wardrobes”, but it seems he’s been “lumbered” with an unforeseen issue.
Located at Buckingham Palace, the 200-year-old Royal Mews handles the King and other royals’ transport arrangements when they travel by road, covering everything from horse-and-carriages to cars.
Priding itself as the home of “one of the finest working stables in existence”, the Royal Mews is also responsible for the iconic Gold State Coach, and, of course, the eye-catching livery (which refers to the staff uniforms).
Yet, according to the Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle, Queen Elizabeth reportedly “refused” to buy new scarlet and gold livery worn at state events.
The Royal Mews is in charge of the royals’ transport arrangements when they travel by road(Image: Getty)
Indeed, he claims that while Her Majesty was on the throne, they simply found staff who fitted the existing livery, so many of these uniforms have been around since the days of Queen Victoria (who died in 1901).
Ephraim writes: “The late Queen, ever frugal, refused to buy new scarlet and gold livery worn on state occasions. Instead staff, mainly from the Royal Mews, had to be found who fitted the existing outfits, most of which go back to Queen Victoria’s day.
“Now the King has reversed the policy. New scarlet and gold outfits have finally been commissioned for the Royal Mews wardrobes. Charles has discovered he has been lumbered with the expense of providing larger sizes.
“Victorian flunkies were smaller and less portly back in the day.”
As a stable, the Royal Mews oversees the training of Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bay horses, which pull the royal carriages.
It’s been claimed that King Charles has been “lumbered” with an unforeseen issue(Image: Getty)
Beyond their role in major state occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament and coronations, Royal Mews carriages also ferry high commissioners and ambassadors to present their credentials to the monarch .
Meanwhile, in a tradition that has occurred each day since 1843, the messenger Brougham carriage has left the Royal Mews to transfer the mail between royal residences.
This wouldn’t mark the first occasion the late Queen’s frugal ways have made headlines. Back in 2017, People revealed how Elizabeth would use an electric space heater in the palace and would even save wrapping paper.
Author Kate Williams penned in Young Elizabeth: The Making of Our Queen: “After Christmas, Elizabeth would collect up the wrapping paper and ribbons and would smooth them out to be saved.
“It is a habit that continues to this day.”
Another example is ex-royal chef Darren McGrady detailing how the Queen reportedly sent an untouched garnish back to a kitchen to be used again.