Queen’s tailor Ede & Ravenscroft in court fight

The Queen's tailor is embroiled in a bitter High Court dispute, amid claims a former employee stole information about its rich and famous clients to help him set up a rival Savile Row firm.

Ede & Ravenscroft, which has dressed a dozen monarchs plus Prince Charles, Boris Johnson and David Dimbleby, has launched a £150,000 claim against Matthew Farnes.

He worked in the bespoke department at its Burlington Gardens store before quitting in November to start Savile Row Artisan in Sackville Street. The writ alleges Mr Farnes emailed himself his old firm's bespoke measurement form plus clients' contact details, then used the information to invite old customers to his new store.

Mr Farnes, who charges up to £2,700 for a suit, called the claims "ridiculous". Ede & Ravenscroft, established in 1689, has made ceremonial robes for the last 12 coronations.

The firm's solicitor would not say whether private tailoring details of royalty were among the material allegedly taken by Mr Farnes.