The Pearly King and Queen: Reign and shine

Shannon Denny enjoys an audience with Pearly monarchs Carole and Pat Jolly

Above: Carole and Pat Jolly, Pearly King and Queen of Crystal Palace © Keith Sheriff www.shotbythesheriff.co.uk

If you want to know what it’s like to be a celebrity, go somewhere with a Pearly King or Queen. When Carole and Pat Jolly, the Pearly King and Queen of Crystal Palace, posed for our cover shoot, it caused a sensation. Adults and children alike stampeded across Crystal Palace Park to ask questions, beg for autographs and take photos of the regal pair.

Born in Deptford, Pat has lived in Sydenham almost his entire life. Carole was born an Eastender, but moved as a tiny child to south east London during the Second World War. The couple, who have been married for 49 years, entered the Pearly world over 30 years ago, after Pat’s late friend and fellow Pearly King Fred Hitchin finally persuaded them to don traditional button covered suits. “He thought I’d make a good king,” says Pat.

The Pearly tradition dates to the end of the 19th century. Henry Croft was an orphan employed as a road-sweeper and rat-catcher in the local London markets. He befriended the stallholders – known as costermongers – who adorned their clothes with smoke pearl buttons. Henry created his own button-encrusted suit, and wore it as he collected funds and market goods to donate to the orphanage where he had grown up.

As Henry’s fundraising efforts grew, the Pearly dynasty expanded. He enlisted costermongers to join him, and eventually there was one Pearly family for each London borough.

Charity remains the heart of Pearly activities. Pat formed the London Pearly Kings & Queens Society six years ago. Registered with the charity commission, it has been known to raise in the region of £20,000 in a single year. About 30 Pearly families are very active in the society, collecting funds on Saturdays at Covent Garden, appearing on television in exchange for donations and attending countless events. “They’re very, very hard workers,” Pat says. “They’re grafters.” At the end of the year, family nominate beneficiaries to receive a share of the total money raised. Pat and Carole, for example, are keen supporters of St Christopher’s Hospice.

Pearly titles are either inherited or bestowed. I wonder aloud if someone like me would ever stand a chance at sporting a few thousand pearl buttons. “If you want to be a Pearly, it’s no problem – it could be arranged,” says Pat. “But you’ve got to be dedicated,” Carole interjects, emphasising how seriously they take their royal duty. “It’s not for five years – it’s for life!”

The London Pearly Kings & Queens Society, registered charity number 1091098; www.pearlysociety.co.uk