CORONATION ROBES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 42, 5 March 1937, Page 7

CORONATION ROBES

(Own OorresTJondent-

Heavy Weighl of Regalia of Peers

-Air Mail.)

LONDON, Feb. 22. Robes averaging 191b. will make a seven hours' wait in Westminster Abbey an endurance test for peers at the Coronation. Peeresses are luckier. Their robes will weigh only from 1 01b. to 12ib. A leading West End Court dressmaker points out that the men are followirig tradition in their robes, whila the women insist on having them adapted to present-day fashions. In view of the expensiveness of the new outfits, many peeresses are having alterations made in gowns which have been handed down for many generafcions. ! The manager of a world-famous firm weighed the individual items in CoronaI tion robes to be worn by a peeress, The scales revealed the following figures: — Coronation dress and kirtle, 31b 8oz. ; velvet trained ermine cape, 41b. ; light coronet, lOoz. ; diamond headdress, 8oz. ; shoes and stockings, 15oz. ; gloves, 2oz; jewellery, lOoz. Total, 101b 5oz. Peeresses of the higher ranks, wearing heavy coronets, and elaborate jewellery, will carry 121b. The latitude which tbe Earl Alarshal allows for lace sleeves and embroidery will also add weigbt in some cases, Fortunately for the vvearers, coronets are worn only for a few moments during the ceremony. The peers' robes weigh : — Full-dress coatee of senior Minister, 81b. Soz, ; peers' robe 61b; fuli Court dress, 2lb. 8oz; knickers, 11b.; Court shoes, llb. 8oz. ; dress sworcl. Ub. 8oz ; white silk or satin waistcoat. 8oz. ; cocked hat, 10 oz. The plight of peers and peeresses is heighteued by the small spacg allowed gucsts in the Abbey seats — only 19 iuches