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Who is Royal Colour?

Published in Color History 2 mins read

While "Royal Colour" isn't a person, the color most associated with royalty is purple.

Here's why:

Purple's historical connection to royalty stems from its rarity and the immense cost associated with producing purple dye in ancient times.

  • Historical Context: Extracting the dye required significant labor and a vast number of sea snails (specifically, murex snails). This made purple fabric extraordinarily expensive and accessible only to the wealthiest and most powerful members of society.

  • Symbol of Power: Because of its cost and exclusivity, purple became a symbol of wealth, status, and power. Royal families throughout history adopted purple as a royal color, further cementing its association with nobility.

  • Examples:

    • Cyrus the Great: The founder of the Persian Empire wore a purple tunic, establishing an early link between purple and royal authority.
    • Roman Emperors: In ancient Rome, purple was often reserved for the emperor and high-ranking officials.
    • European Monarchs: Throughout European history, purple has been a prominent color in royal robes, flags, and other symbols of monarchy.

While other colors, like gold and blue, are also associated with royalty, purple holds a particularly strong and historical connection due to its unique and expensive origins. Therefore, when considering a "royal color," purple is the most accurate answer.