Prince William's Trousers
The war on terror? Stagflation? Fie. In a series of emails over the last several days a couple of graduates of Oxford have taken up a controversy that truly matters.
To wit:
If it is not treasonable to advert to the matter, I would judge that HRH Prince William the Duke of Cambridge could do with some advice on the proper use and adjustment of braces. (That would be “suspenders” on the other side of the pond.)
—A gentleman partial to the Royal Navy
I also observed the overalls of HRH the Duke of Cambridge. My tentative explanation is that they were a nod to austerity- we normally have two pairs of overalls, one cut for walking which show an elegant leg, but make sitting down a challenge, and one for riding which look shapely only until the dismount, when they concertina round the calf. Perhaps he had only one pair made up, which would have been cut for riding because he will only really wear that uniform again on the Birthday Parade.
—A regimental officer
We watched the wedding with a friend a large part of whose working life is taken up with farewell visits by various of Her Majesty’s Ships to the port of Liverpool en route to the breakers’ yard. It is good to know that in these straitened times the Ministry of Defense still has a proper sense of priorities, ensuring that Guards officers are equipped with different sets of trousers for sitting down and standing up. Perhaps HRH’s economy in this respect is a sign of changing times?
—A gentleman partial to the Royal Navy
No one is more in favour of changing than I am. It is change to which I object.
Our trousers are made as ever of 20 oz wool barathea whereas Her Majesty's Ships are now it appears made of metal: they would not have to go to the breakers' yard if they were built of wood as God intended. Science now indicates that for the price of our two new carriers alone one could furnish every human being that ever lived with a stiff collar.
—A regimental officer
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Comments :
May '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Perhaps it is true after all that there will always be an England. Thank you for a delightful minute's reading, Peter.
Mar '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
It all makes sense to me - what's the problem? As I recall, he was not riding a horse that day (I shall refrain from any jokes), probably left the other pair back at the Palace, as one would.
The length looks about right - the front crease folded, and the trousers almost touching the ground at the back.
Glad to see Peter using the proper word - trousers :-)
Edited on May 4, 2011 at 4:38pmJun '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
As a graduate of the University of Maryland, a one time agricultural school of no particular distinction, where I never got to meet Benazir Bhutto, I say "fie" on you all. In my line of work we use suspenders to secure spandex pants over a diaper for special education kids who can't toilet themselves. "Humility is a virtue," sayeth the Lord, and I daily get my full plate of humble pie. Yum.
Aug '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
~Paules, it sounds like you've had a tough day. Hope tomorrow's better.
Aug '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Is it natural for military men to take such an interest in each others' trousers?
Mar '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
It's a result of the training they go through - the uniform has to be perfect, and they have at least one butler to make it so.
Jun '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
~Paules, it sounds like you've had a tough day. Hope tomorrow's better. · May 4 at 5:17pm
Excretion is the better part of valor, or so they say. No worries, Midge, someone's gotta shovel the Shiite, and I'm too old for the SEALS.
Jul '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Could someone please explain in plain English what the fuss is about?
This is the kind of thing that reinforces the notion that conservatives or Republicans are cardigan wearing tea drinking fops who wish nothing more to be re-united with Jolly OIe England where the class structure can keep them where they belong.
Aug '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
I could be wrong, but I think Peter is attempting to poke fun at himself.
Re: Prince William's Trousers
It isn't for everyone, but some people--see Daniel Frank, above--enjoy British wit.
(And although as a matter of pure logic you could indeed be wrong, Midget, I have yet ot see it happen.)
Aug '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Kind of you, Peter. If you looked harder, you'd see it. Not being scrutinized too closely is a blessing.
Mar '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
I'm British, by birth, and I still don't get it - lol.
May '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
I am curious as to the need for spurs on the uniform's boots, given neither were riding any horses that day. Anyone have an idea why that is still part of a dress uniform?
Edited on May 5, 2011 at 12:57amMar '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Talleyrand: I am curious as to the need for spurs on the uniform's boots, given neither were riding any horses that day. Anyone have an idea why that is still part of a dress uniform? · May 5 at 12:55am
Edited on May 05 at 12:57 am
It's just tradition, serving no useful purpose whatsoever. The Royal Wedding was full of things (and people) like that :-)
May '10
Re: Prince William's Trousers
An entire Monty Python sketch just went off in my head.
Jan '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
OK, I'll bite: Why does this matter?
Mar '11
Re: Prince William's Trousers
Anon: It doesn't matter at all.
OK, after a good night's sleep, I finally understand - he was wearing his horse-riding-spurs, and yet his trousers were of non-horse-riding length.
Yeah, that is kinda strange.
Stranger to me that he was wearing his RAF wings on a formal Army uniform, when he is a serving member of the RAF - but he is the future King of England, so he can do what he likes. The Royal Family is well-known to take liberties with Military Uniforms.
King Hussein of Jordon also used to wear his RAF wings on non-RAF uniforms, so I guess tis a privilege of Monarchy, generally - somewhat anachronistic, which is why it doesn't matter, now, fortunately.
Update: I recently went on a Red Rock Jeep tour in Sedona, where the driver/guide was wearing spurs and boots (didn't see how long his trousers were) - totally unnecessary for driving a Jeep :-)
Edited on May 5, 2011 at 10:22am