Is Purple the Royal Colour of Engineers? The Truth Behind Their Epaulettes

Is Purple the Royal Colour of Engineers?

In both aviation and maritime engineering alike, purple stands out as the colour of precision, responsibility, and quiet authority. It’s often said that purple is the “royal colour” of engineers — a mark of respect for their vital, unseen role. But where did this tradition really begin and is it true?

The Titanic Legend

A popular story claims that after the RMS Titanic sank in 1912, King George V honoured the ship’s engineers — who bravely stayed at their posts until the end — by granting engineers the colour purple on their epaulettes. It’s a powerful tale that captures the courage and integrity of the profession.

Yet, as inspiring as it sounds, there’s no official record that such a royal decree was ever issued. The engineers of the Titanic were indeed heroes, but their purple distinction predates that tragedy by nearly half a century.

The Real Origin of Purple for Engineers

In reality, the Royal Navy introduced a purple “distinction cloth” for its engineering officers as early as 1865 — decades before the Titanic. The colour was chosen to differentiate engineers from navigation and executive officers, who wore gold and white. Purple symbolised technical expertise and intellect — the bridge between science and command. This naval tradition carried through to the merchant marine and later to aviation, where engineers continued to wear purple to distinguish their specialised role in keeping complex systems running safely.

Is Purple a “Registered Royal Colour”?

Not formally. There’s no global regulation declaring purple an official “royal colour” for engineers. But the association endures out of respect and heritage. In some Commonwealth and maritime traditions — and even among engineering schools in Canada and the UK — purple has become the unofficial badge of honour for engineers.

Why It Still Matters Today

In aviation, those purple epaulettes represent trust, mastery, and discipline. Engineers may not sit in the cockpit, but they uphold the safety of every flight. Their colour reflects quiet nobility — earned not through rank, but through precision and accountability.

So yes — purple remains the royal colour of engineers. Not by decree, but by the legacy of excellence.

At Jotore Aviation Consulting, we celebrate the engineers who keep aviation safe and reliable. Explore our insights, training, and consulting services at www.jotoreaviation.au

Stay Safe

Craig