Mantle (royal garment)

The German emperors continued their short coat from the 12th century to the end of their empire.

The Hungarian Kings also kept using their short coat from the reign of St Stephen until the end of their kingdom.

Originally, mantles and the religious cope, coming from similar origins as a cloak worn by all classes, were indistinguishable, except that the religious garment may have a flap representing a hood, and the mantle may be fastened at the shoulder instead of the front.

Therefore, while the cope was used by all clerics in certain religious ceremonies, the mantle would be used by royalty on occasions of a sacred character.

[1] The non-crowned but inaugurated Dutch kings wear a robe on the French model.