The kings of Savile Row

For hundreds of years, the golden mile of tailoring’ has been the heart of British bespoke with many eminent Royal patrons including our new monarch

- ALEC MARSH

DURING the course of his very long apprenticeship, His Majesty King Charles III has been a far-sighted champion of many causes, from the needs of the natural environment to concerns for the built environment. But of all the areas in which The King has expressed himself, there is one where he has, quite literally, worn his heart on his sleeve. And that’s been in his tireless support of the enclave of elite British tailoring centred on Savile Row and the community of craftsmanship that sustains it. In this, His Majesty has been a vocal champion; indeed, he’s walked the walk as well as talked the talk.

No fewer than 23 suppliers of clothing and accessories today hold Royal Warrants in his name and, unsurprisingly, many of these are the best in the business – if not the world. Among them is Malcolm Plews, The King’s military tailor who has worked for him for the past 30 years and has had the privilege of making the uniform The King will be wearing on his Coronation Day. “I’ve been in the trade 63 years now and am still going,” says Plews, who was apprenticed to a local tailor in Bexhill-onSea, East Sussex at just 15 years old. “I’m 77 now,” he adds. “It’s a job I love.”