J.R. Thorbecke's official uniform as minister of Home Affairs, c. 1850. After the French occupation new official dress was introduced for government and court functionaries. These uniforms were for special occasions. The higher the rank, the more ornate and ample the decoration, all precisely according to the regulations. The wearer footed the bill. In 1825 King William I introduced official dress for ministers. Thorbecke had these garments made, with tricorne and sword, around 1850, during his first ministry.