My dad emailed me this week, “Son, do you know why the British wore red coats…? I’m certain that you don’t because you never read.”

I replied, “Father, I do read. Perhaps not the same material as you. But please explain why the British wore read coats.”

“Well, son. Here goes…”

During the recent royal wedding, millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British “red coat.”

Many people asked, “Why have the British worn red coats in battle?” A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured a British Colonel.  They took him to their headquarters and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, “Why do you British officers all wear red coats?” “Don’t you know the red material makes you easier targets?”

In his casual, matter-of-fact way, the officer informed the General that the reason  British officers wear red coats is because if they are wounded, the blood won’t show and the men they are leading won’t panic.

And that’s why, from that day forward,

ALL FRENCH ARMY OFFICERS WEAR BROWN TROUSERS!