There are some dates in the royal calendar which, though not official, are known by Royal Family staff and are very much respected. One such day is 'Off With Her Cardi Day'. This is the first day in the year when the Queen goes - wait for it - cardigan-less. Often seen without her crown, and without her signature matching hats and coats, she is nonetheless seen by Palace staff wearing a cardigan almost every day. And when the weather turns and Queen Elizabeth II emerges from her bed chamber without her cardigan, the palace staff nod to one another whisper, and text their friends that  'Off With Her Cardi Day' is upon us. 

The weather is so lovely today that after publishing my delicious canned food recipes, I was wondering whether to nip to the shops coatless, when my friend who used to work at the Buckingham Palace art gallery (and who told me about the little-known Royal phenomenon) texted me to say that she'd had her confirmation text and today was indeed 'Off With Her Cardi Day'.

I have to say, I understand the Queen's penchant - I love a cardi and rarely seen without one. But no one texts their friends to mention it if I take mine off!

Want to make a royal cardi yourself? See our brilliant cardigan knitting patterns