King Charles makes unfortunate discovery after reversing 'frugal' Queen Elizabeth decision

King Charles has made an unfortunate discovery after reversing a policy made by his "frugal" mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, it has been claimed. Charles has now reportedly set out to rectify the issue, which involves royal livery "for the Royal Mews wardrobes", but it seems he's been "lumbered" with an unforeseen issue.

Situated in Buckingham Palace, the 200-year-old Royal Mews is in charge of the King and other royals' transport arrangements when they travel by road, covering everything from horse-and-carriages to cars. Priding itself as the home of "one of the finest working stables in existence", the Royal Mews is also responsible for the iconic Gold State Coach, and, of course, the eye-catching livery (which refers to the staff uniforms).

Yet, according to the Mail's Ephraim Hardcastle, Queen Elizabeth reportedly "refused" to buy new scarlet and gold livery worn at state events.

Indeed, he claims that while Her Majesty was on the throne, they simply found staff who fitted the existing livery, so many of these uniforms have been around since the days of Queen Victoria (who died in 1901).

Ephraim writes: "The late Queen, ever frugal, refused to buy new scarlet and gold livery worn on state occasions. Instead staff, mainly from the Royal Mews, had to be found who fitted the existing outfits, most of which go back to Queen Victoria's day.

"Now the King has reversed the policy. New scarlet and gold outfits have finally been commissioned for the Royal Mews wardrobes. Charles has discovered he has been lumbered with the expense of providing larger sizes.

"Victorian flunkies were smaller and less portly back in the day."

In its capacity as a stable, the Royal Mews takes charge of the training of the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays horses, which are responsible for pulling the royal carriages.

In addition to their use in large-scale state events such as the State Opening of Parliament and coronations, Royal Mews carriages transport high commissioners and ambassadors to show their credentials to the monarch.

Meanwhile, in a tradition that has occurred each day since 1843, the messenger Brougham carriage has left the Royal Mews to transfer the mail between royal residences.

It wouldn't be the first time that the late Queen's thriftiness has been reported on. In 2017, People detailed how Elizabeth would use an electric space heater in the palace and even save wrapping paper.

In Young Elizabeth: The Making of Our Queen, author Kate Williams wrote: "After Christmas, Elizabeth would collect up the wrapping paper and ribbons and would smooth them out to be saved.

"It is a habit that continues to this day."

Another example is ex-royal chef Darren McGrady detailing how the Queen reportedly sent an untouched garnish back to a kitchen to be used again.