A Pearly king is a person who wears a suit covered in mother of pearl buttons and decorated with patterns and pictures from the London Borough they represent.  The Pearly King titles are generally handed down from generation to generation within a family.  The Official Pearly Kings and Queens Association, have descendents going back 5 generations and so the titles have remained in the same blood lines.  A Pearly King may give his Wife, partner or family member (or vice versa) the title of Pearly Queen and if they have any children will present them with titles of Pearly Prince or Pearly Princess.

There can only be one Pearly King or Pearly Queen per area and the Pearly families ensure that all titles are officially recognized with the London Councils and also with the Church of England.

The Kings and Queens (and family members) spend time raising money for local charities in their boroughs and as a group to help larger charities and organisations.  They entertain people with singing and laughter.