London, England. October 1, 2009.

The judges emerged from the intricately carved stone portals of their new home resplendent in their modern regalia. Gone were the full bottomed wigs, robes and breeches.

The Justices of the Supreme Court posed in front of the building wearing their black robes, lavishly threaded with gold. All were bare-headed save for Baroness Hale, who wore a flat black tasselled hat.

Lord Phillips said they had discussed whether they should have headgear and all the male members of the Supreme Court declined but Baroness Hale said she wanted a hat.

The judges then went in procession over a pedestrian crossing through hastily shut down roadworks to Westminster Abbey.

There they were joined by judges from the High Court and Court of Appeal, who arrived in a fleet of limousines, for prayers.

Unlike the judges of the Supreme Court, the rest of the judiciary clung on to their wigs for the ceremony.

Excerpted from ‘New Supreme Court opens with media barred,’ published in the Telegraph.