ENDURANCE TEST FOR PEERS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 381, 12 March 1937, Page 3

ENDURANCE TEST FOR PEERS.

WEIGHT OF ROBES. Dress for Coronation London, February 26. Robes averaging 191 b '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 101 b to 121 b. A leading West End Court dressmaker points out that men are following tradition in their robes, while women insist on having them adapted to present-day fashions. In view oi the expensiveness of the new outfits, many peeresses are having alterations made in gowns which have been handed down for many generations. The manager of a world-famous firm weighed the individual items \n Coronation 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 Hockings, 15oz; glove’s, 2oz; jewellery, lOoz; total, 101'b soz. Peeresses of the higher raflks, wearing heavy coronets and elaborate jewellery, yrill carry 12ib. The latitude which the Earl Marshal allows for lace sleeves and embroidery will also add weight in some cases. Fortunately for the 'Wearers, coronets are worn for a few moments during the ceremony. The peers’ robes weigh:—Fuil-ffrGss joatee of senior Minister, 81b Soz; peer’s robe, 6ib; full Court dress, 21b Soz; knickers, lib; Court shoes, lib 3oz; dress sword, Ub Soz; white silk or satin waistcoat, Soz; cocked hat. lOoz. The plight of peers' and peeresses le' heightened by the sntoall space allowed guests in the Abbey seats — only 19 inches.