Red Coat and English Toastmasters

In 1894, William Knightsmith, a well known and respected toastmaster, was becoming increasingly incensed at being addressed as ' waiter' by attendees at the various functions where he was working.

It was this point that his wife suggested changing the colour of his coat to make him stand out. So, at the Freemasons Tavern (later the Connaught Rooms) in that same year, he first wore his new scarlet coat. Other toastmasters who saw it, ridiculed him and thought it a joke.

It was later seen by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward the Seventh) who led the applause and approved of the colour. Within a year, virtually all the toastmasters in London were wearing the 'hunting pink' coat.