What is "master of the robes"

Robe \Robe\, n. [F., fr. LL. rauba a gown, dress, garment; originally, booty, plunder. See Rob, v. t., and cf. Rubbish.]

1. An outer garment; a dress of a rich, flowing, and elegant style or make; hence, a dress of state, rank, office, or the like.

   Through tattered clothes small vices do appear; Robes and furred gowns hide all.
   --Shak.

2. A skin of an animal, especially, a skin of the bison, dressed with the fur on, and used as a wrap. [U.S.]

   Master of the robes, an officer of the English royal household (when the sovereign is a king) whose duty is supposed to consist in caring for the royal robes.

   Mistress of the robes, a lady who enjoys the highest rank of the ladies in the service of the English sovereign (when a queen), and is supposed to have the care her robes.

The Master of the Robes was an office in the British Royal Household. He was responsible for the King's robes at times such as a coronation, the annual Order of the Garter service and the State Opening of Parliament. Since the reign of King Edward VII, the office has only been filled for coronations (note, the office is not allocated during the reign of a queen regnant). Below is a list of known office holders: