The armor worn in Crimson Empire and Crimson Empire II is a unique design never before seen in any Star Wars comics, books, or films. Only Kir Kanos and his nemesis, the traitorous guardsman Carnor Jax are shown wearing it - with Jax wearing a distinctive black and red version.
All other royal guards depicted in the flashback scenes are portrayed as wearing simple robes as depicted in the three films in which the Royal Guard appear.
If this armor is standard issue to all Royal Guards, then apparently it is only worn when the individual is expecting to enter heavy combat, as the guardsmen are depicted wearing only their ceremonial robes when escorting the Emperor while aboard the Death Star, or when visiting the Imperial training facility on Yinchorr - both locations where the always aloof Emperor would no doubt feel safe and secure.
It is also possible that this armor is not general issue to the rank-and-file. The highest ranking members of the Royal Guard are known as Royal Sovereign Protectors. They are described as having ornate ceremonial armor, and as having limited ability to use the force.
As Carnor Jax and Kir Kanos both display remarkable skills that suggest they are force sensitive, it is plausible that both men may in fact have been Sovereign Protectors. Sadly, the creators of the Crimson Empire series have remained silent as to the exact origin and significance of the armor.
As an interesting side note, the Blue Senatorial Guard action figure released after The Phantom Menace wore an identical blue version of the Crimson Empire armor beneath their blue vinyl capes. Oddly enough, when the red guard figures were released with Attack of the Clones in theaters, they wore only what looked like maroon double-breasted tunics - no armor.
Helmet
Breastplate
Shoulder Guards
Body Glove
Gauntlets
Gloves
Belt
Boots
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