Queen Elizabeth leads the way, with what may be the world's largest umbrella collection. The 95-year-old monarch has honed (1) the perfect working wardrobe during her 70 years on the throne. She not only has hats, gloves and shoes to co-ordinate with every outfit, she has matching umbrellas too. These are especially ordered by her dresser, Angela Kelly, at the start of each season.
A favourite model is the Fulton Birdcage umbrella, which has an elegant deep domed shape and is transparent with an eye-catching coloured border. The Queen's choice says a lot about her practical and thoughtful nature, because while the design provides excellent protection against the rain it also means she's visible to the crowds of people who come to see her however wet the weather!
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"Everything we produce for the Queen is bespoke. The specifications are slightly different and the colours are unique and they do not form part of our regular collection," Nigel Fulton, CEO of Fulton, has commented.
Sensibly (2), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have got hold of (3) some Fulton umbrellas of their own. Back in 2012, the couple shared a black-trimmed one to walk the red carpet at a glitzy (4) movie premiere. Light sparkling through the raindrops on the transparent canopy made a halo around their faces, in a romantic touch. Four years later, William and Kate chose a white-edged version for a ceremony to commemorate fallen soldiers held at the Somme war cemetery in France.
It comes as no surprise to hear that Fulton, set up in the East End of London in 1956, has a royal warrant.
But naturally, Kate has brought her own fashion know-how to the favourite royal accessory, showing off some more modern designs. Last June, she brightened up a grey day and kept her glossy (5) long hair dry with a gorgeously rainbow-hued umbrella. As with all her wardrobe choices, this sparked huge interest among Kate fans. They were soon delighted to find that similar models were available at a price anyone, princess or not, could afford. Since then, rainy days have become a lot more colourful on streets both in Britain and beyond.
So, all in all it seems that the royals have brought their own special magic to the modest 'brolly'.
1. To hone = To sharpen, refine.
2. Sensible = Showing good judgement.
3. To get hold of = To obtain.
4. Glitzy = Glamorous.
5. Glossy = Shiny, polished.
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