The revelation that Prince Willy allegedly broke Prince Harold’s necklace in a fight shows how unshockable we’ve become when it comes to Harry and Meghan drama. Because my main question after this particular episode isn’t about press standards or dysfunction in the royal family – it’s ‘why was he wearing a necklace?’.
When I was a child, my mother would impress upon my brother, sister and me the importance of not being seen to do or wear anything that could be regarded as ‘naff’. Tattoos and earrings or necklaces (on men) were all deemed especially naff. As a result, between the three of us we have 12 tattoos at the last count. I also have an earring and a necklace.
Yet men’s necklaces are not as nouveau as my mother feared. Ancient Celts wore torcs into battle; Greek, Roman and Ancient Egyptian men often wore gold or silver chains around their necks; and pearl necklaces (as well as earrings) were considered high fashion for men in early modern Europe.
Ancient Celts wore torcs into battle; Greek, Roman and Ancient Egyptian men wore gold or silver chains around their necks; and pearl necklaces were considered high fashion for men in early modern Europe
In more recent history there has been the ‘love beads’ of 1960s hippies; John Travolta-style disco chains; and hip hop culture’s gold pendants.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in