King Charles Relaxes Century-Old Royal Tennis Dress Code/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ King Charles III has relaxed a 100-year-old tennis whites rule at Buckingham Palace, allowing colored clothing on the court — a small but symbolic modernization. The change follows other updates including scrapped Royal Train service and eco-friendly palace renovations. Experts say the move signals the monarch’s ongoing efforts to update traditions for a contemporary monarchy.
Royal Tennis Dress Code Update: Quick Looks
- King Charles lifts century-old all-white tennis rule
- White “preferred” but no longer mandatory at palace courts
- Buckingham Palace is easing traditional dress protocols
- Modernization follows Royal Train retirement and eco-friendly upgrades
- Experts praise subtle shifts toward contemporary royal relevance
- Court whites rule originally set in 1919 under George V
- New rule applies to royals, staff, guests at games
- Stark contrast with Charles’s typically formal attire standards
- Royal modernization reflects broader trend under Charles’s reign
- Future palace protocol expected to blend tradition with modernity
Deep Look: King Charles Reforms Tennis Attire, Signaling Modern Monarchy
UNITED KINGDOM — King Charles III has quietly yet significantly modernized Buckingham Palace’s tennis court dress code, ending a century-old mandate requiring nearly all-white attire. The update marks only one of several recent steps the monarch has taken to bring royal customs into the 21st century.
Tennis Whites No Longer Essential
\According to The Sunday Times, attire has shifted from an unwavering all-white rule—originally enforced during King George V’s reign in 1919—to a guideline where whites are “preferred” but not essential. The change applies to royal family members, staff, and guests on the palace’s exclusive court.
Though seemingly minor, the update carries symbolic weight, reflecting Charles’s intention to modernize royal protocols without wholesale disruption.
A Broader Modernization Mandate
Royal experts view the new dress code as part of a strategic modernization agenda. Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, praised Charles as a “progressive-thinking man” committed to refreshing royal traditions to maintain relevance.
Similarly, Hilary Fordwich, a royal commentator, noted that the tennis update follows major changes like retiring the 156-year-old Royal Train as of July 3, citing prohibitive costs and modernization challenges. She’s also implemented energy-saving measures at the palace, including lowering pool temperatures and upgrading facilities.
“His changes may be subtle, but they’re poignant,” Fordwich said. “They signal a monarchy that’s evolving.”
Tradition vs. Modern Sensibilities
The relaxation of tennis whites is particularly striking given Charles’s personal penchant for formal attire—rarely seen in jeans or sneakers. Yet the shift shows his willingness to ease restrictions on staff and guests, emphasizing comfort and relatability.
Royal scholar Amanda Matta described the move as a “loud message” conveyed softly — suggesting that modernization needn’t abandon tradition, but adapt it thoughtfully.
“These small tweaks make royal life more approachable and less rigid,” Matta said.
“This shift — from mandatory whites to preferred — resonates far beyond tennis.”
Subtle Change, Big Message
The all-white rule was historically rooted in Victorian-era notions of propriety and appearance—sweat could be visually distracting. Today, relaxing the rule underscores a broader change in royal etiquette: less about preserving appearances, more about practicality and inclusivity.
Felton Spence summed it up:
“Traditions start somewhere — and protocol should evolve, too.”
Key Quotes from Experts
Shannon Felton Spence: “King Charles is reshaping a monarchy fit for today and tomorrow… these initiatives should be celebrated.”
Hilary Fordwich: “The tennis dress code was established in 1919… it’s so sad to see yet another tradition abandoned.”
Amanda Matta: “By easing the all‑white rule… Charles continues his quiet push to modernize the monarchy.”
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