Swiss Guard adds new formal attire to rotation

A centuries-old black uniform returns ahead of an annual swearing-in ceremony.

- By NICOLE WINFIELD

LT. COL. Loic Rossier poses with the new ceremonial uniform of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican.

(TIZIANA FABI AFP/Getty Images)

The world’s oldest army has new uniforms.

But don't worry: The Swiss Guards’ famed blue, yellow and red Renaissance-style garb isn’t going anywhere. Rather, the pope's army on Thursday unveiled an additional uniform for nonceremonial, formal occasions, such as a diplomatic reception or official dinner outside the Vatican walls.

Col. Christoph Graf, the Swiss Guards commander, donned the new duds at a presentation ceremony in the army’s barracks ahead of the annual swearing-in ceremony Saturday of 27 new recruits.

Graf explained that the new black wool uniform, with two rows of buttons, a yellow and white belt and Mao-style collar, is actually a faithful rendition of a centuries-old suit worn by Swiss Guard officials that went out of use in 1976.

The corps tried an update a decade ago, didn't like it, and commissioned a more faithful version that will get its first official use at a gala reception Friday on the eve of the swearing-in. An unnamed benefactor footed the bill for the uniforms, worn by just the senior ranks, which cost around $2,300 dollars apiece, officials said.