Sir, David Hutt’s letter on royal etiquette (Oct 10) reminds me of an occasion when my wife and I were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. I hired formal dress from a well-known tailor and when I told the assistant that I did not need a top hat, because I don’t like headgear, I was told by the horrified man that top hats were “de rigueur”. I decided to check this statement, and rang the palace. An equerry then told me: “Sir, you are the Queen’s guest. She would wish you to feel comfortable.” I took him at his word and went hatless. Nevertheless, there is still a lingering doubt in my mind about the correctness of my decision.
Professor John Murrell
Homerton College, Cambridge
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