Royal blue is a deep, rich shade of blue that has long been associated with royalty, prestige, and elegance. But which specific shade of blue is considered the true “royal blue”? The answer depends on historical context.
The Origins of Royal Blue
The association between blue and royalty dates back centuries. In medieval Europe, blue dyes were rare and expensive, so the sumptuous blue clothing worn by kings and queens signaled their wealth and high status. Bright blues like ultramarine, made from precious lapis lazuli, became known as “royal blue.”
During the 17th and 18th centuries, new trade routes made vivid blues more widely available. French kings like Louis XIV adopted a deep, saturated blue as the official color of their royal court at Versailles. This French court blue became fashionable among royals across Europe.
Royal Blue in the 19th Century
In 1815, King George III officially declared the rich blue color later called royal blue as the official color of the British royal family. This deep blue contrasted with the crimson red uniforms of the British army.
Throughout the Victorian era, royal blue stood for tradition and dignity. Queen Victoria wore royal blue sashes and jewelry at her coronation and official portraits. The tradition continued with King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, and other British royals.
This regal blue shade spread across Europe. In Prussia, a vibrant royal blue decorated military uniforms. The vibrant blue cornflower became a symbol of royalty in Germany. Royal families from Russia to Greece embraced royal blue as a stately, patriotic color.
Royal Blue Dye
So which shade defined 19th century royal blue? Blue dyes of the era came from plant-based indigo as well as synthetic aniline dyes.
One candidate is the vivid, purplish French ultramarine, made from lapis lazuli. While still prized for its intensity, ultramarine pigment was no longer as rare or expensive in the 1800s due to trade with Afghanistan.
Alternatively, royal blue may refer to saturated indigo dye. The development of synthetic indigo in the late 1800s made it affordable for mass production of textiles in deep blues.
However, the most likely source of the royal blue of Queen Victoria’s era is a rich blue synthetic aniline dye. In 1856, an English chemist named William Perkin accidentally created the first synthetic aniline dye – a vivid purple-blue hue called mauveine. This discovery launched a surge of aniline dye production.
By the 1860s, Perkin and other chemists had developed a range of new synthetic blue dyes including a rich, saturated blue that soon became known as royal blue. These synthetic dyes could create very consistent, standardized shades that were ideal for military uniforms, national flags, and royal garments.
Modern Royal Blue
Today, royal blue retains its connotations of nobility, dignity, and luxury. It features in the flags, uniforms, and ceremonial dress of monarchies, politicians, and institutions around the world. But which shade is considered true royal blue today?
In 2001, a British organization called the Flag Institute matched today’s royal blue to Pantone 19-4052 TPX. This shade is a vivid azure blue with hints of purple. It looks striking against gold trim.
However, people’s perception of royal blue still varies. Some consider richer, darker blues to be royal. Others think of brighter, more electric shades.
This table shows some current variations of royal blue:
| Name | HEX Code |
|---|---|
| True Royal Blue | #0504aa |
| Majorelle Blue | #4169e1 |
| Queen Blue | #3399ff |
| Royal Azure | #007fff |
| Egyptian Blue | #1034a6 |
Royal Blue in Culture
Royal blue remains a beloved shade associated with luxury and quality. Here are some examples of its cultural influence:
- The Japanese religion of Tenrikyo uses royal blue robes for important clergy.
- Elvis Presley often wore a royal blue suit for big concerts.
- Royal blue sapphires are considered precious gems.
- Many famous perfumes like N°5 by Chanel come in royal blue packaging.
- Leading companies like IBM, Nokia, Ford Motors, and Volvo use royal blue in their corporate logos.
- DC Comics superhero Wonder Woman wears a royal blue skirt as part of her iconic costume.
- The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom feature royal blue gems like the Stuart Sapphire.
Royal Blue in Flags
The royal blue color features prominently in flags around the world. Here are some national flags that incorporate a regal royal blue:
- Greece – Horizontal stripes of royal blue and white
- Australia – Royal blue background with Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross
- New Zealand – Royal blue background with Union Jack and Southern Cross
- Samoa – Royal blue field with white Southern Cross
- Nepal – Crimson red field with royal blue border
- Thailand – Central royal blue stripe on red and white field
- Cambodia – Royal blue background with yellow and red bands
- Fiji – Royal blue field with British Union Jack
Royal blue conveys nobility, tradition, and patriotism on the national flags of these countries.
Conclusion
Royal blue has been associated with monarchies and nobility for centuries. While its exact shade has varied through the ages, the modern standard recognized by vexillologists is Pantone 19-4052 TPX – a rich azure blue that looks bold and luxurious.
From Queen Victoria’s gowns to the flags of Commonwealth nations, royal blue continues to represent heritage, dignity, and splendor across the world. Any brand, outfit, or decor touched by its regal hue feels elevated and special.
Royal blue endures as a versatile and meaningful color that adds majesty to anything it graces. Whether on flags fluttering in the wind, uniforms marching in procession, or gems glittering in the light, royal blue commands awe, respect, and admiration.
