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Ceremonial Capes

Knight's Beret Rank Patch

Knight Commander's
Beret Rank Patch

Knight Commander with Star's
Beret Rank Patch

Knight Grand Cross'
Beret Rank Patch

Knight of the Collar's
Beret Rank Patch

Knights of the American Lieutenancies of the Order wear a ceremonial uniform comprised of a

cape and beret. The cape is of white wool, full cut, reaching to approximately half way between the knee and ankle, with a short, turned over collar of white velvet secured by a gold chain or other suitable closure. The cape bears the cross of the Order in red wool felt on the left breast below the shoulder. There is no other closure, and the cape hangs somewhat open from the collar closure down.

The beret is of black velvet and has a large, soft, draping crown. The head band is also covered with black velvet, and is raised upward on the right front side to a height of 12 cm. On this raised portion is a patch indicating rank: for Knights, a cross on a shield of silver braid; for Knights Commander, the shield is enclosed in a single circle of gold braid; for Knights Commander with Star, two circles of gold braid; for Knights of the Grand Cross, the shield is surrounded by a garland of olive leaves embroidered in gold.

The beret is worn with the emblem of rank on the right forehead midway between the eye and ear. The crown is given a little tug to the opposite side to seat the beret properly upon the head.

The cape and beret are worn at all ceremonies, indoors and out, when requested by the Lieutenant or Grand Prior. During Mass, the beret is removed only at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer and is replaced after the ablutions. A convenient reminder for the doffing and replacing of the beret is the time when such bishops as are in attendance, or celebrating, remove and replace their zucchettos.

For any formal ceremonial occasion, such as the annual investiture ceremony, the cape will normally be worn over full evening dress (white tie), with full decorations on the suit. On less formal occasions the cape may be worn over dinner jackets (black tie), or over a plain dark suit when so specified by the Lieutenant. For all occasions notification of the type of dress required will be made prior to the date of the ceremony. Casual or sporting type clothing or shoes are never appropriate on any occasion when the cape is to be worn. (See

Figure A).

Ladies of the Order wear a full-cut, ankle-length

black cape which may be of velvet or satin. The cape has a short self collar, usually worn upright. It is fastened at the throat by a tie or frog of black silk braid. The Order’s cross, in scarlet wool felt bordered with gold, is placed on the left breast of the cape below the shoulder. The cape is worn over a long black dress for formal occasions such as investiture ceremonies, with black gloves which may be long or short depending on the sleeve length of the dress. When wearing the cape, the head is always covered with a black veil or mantilla (See

Figure B). For informal ceremonies the cape may be worn over a short or long dress, with dark, preferably black, shoes.

Knights and Ladies do not wear the insignia of rank or other decorations on the outside of the cape, with the sole exception of the

Pilgrim Shell. Tradition holds that this most important decoration may be worn by those Knights and Ladies who have earned it, on the outside of the cape, centered on the red felt cross of the Order..