10 Strangely Cool British Traditions Still Practiced Today

In modern times many customs have been cast aside, existing only in stories about how things used to be. Not all of them, though.

Here are 10 strangely cool UK traditions practiced to this day.

Number 10. Wearing wigs in court. The practice of judges and lawyers donning horsehair coifs dates back to the 17th century. Not all courts and cases require them, but there are those who choose to wear them anyway.


Number 9. Permission to marry. This really only applies to those who are descendants of King George the Second. For those who are, it means that a representative of the ruling monarchy must be present at the wedding to extend written consent.

Number 8. Custodian helmets. As far as traditions go, this one almost didn’t make it. Even though they fell out of favor for regular use over 30 years ago, some police forces are putting them back into regular rotation.

Number 7. The Guards at Buckingham Palace. Where else would you find soldiers wearing outfits as good as these? The infantry soldiers seen guarding the palace not only serve a ceremonial role, but are also elite soldiers.

Number 6. Summer birthdays for the ruler. Royal celebrations often involve large parades. To boost the chances of sunny skies, birthday celebrations for the monarch are scheduled in the summer months, regardless of when they were born. Queen Elizabeth II is among those who have added an additional date.

Number 5. Congratulatory messages from the monarch. Since 1917, England’s Sovereign has sent special cards and greetings to people celebrating milestones like significant birthdays and anniversaries.

Number 4. The Queen of England doesn’t have a passport. As they’re all issued in her name, that she carry one is considered unnecessary.

Number 3. The Duke of Wellington pays rent. Well, sort of. It’s part of a ceremony commemorating the title-holder of long ago returning victorious from Waterloo and taking up residence in a country-owned home. While the Duke hands a flag to the Queen as rent, there’s no money changing hands.

Number 2. Pearly Kings and Queens. Although the charitable organization has changed names several times, they’ve been aiding the poor for around 1 thousand years. The group’s members wear black ensembles embellished with white buttons.

Number 1. The State Opening. Each year when the Parliament begins its season the Queen give a government-written speech outlining the year’s agenda.