A landmark exhibition showcasing the evolving fashion and iconic wardrobe of the late Queen Elizabeth II is set to open next year at Buckingham Palace, offering the public an unprecedented glimpse into the style legacy of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Scheduled to coincide with what would have been her 100th birthday, the exhibition titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will feature around 200 items, making it the largest display of her clothing to date.
Organised by the Royal Collection Trust, which now oversees the late Queen’s extensive wardrobe archive, the exhibition will open at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace next spring. It will trace Queen Elizabeth’s sartorial journey from her childhood years to her many decades on the throne, illustrating how her clothing choices reflected both personal preferences and the broader cultural, diplomatic, and historical context of her reign.
Among the standout pieces will be her wedding dress from 1947, designed by renowned couturier Sir Norman Hartnell. This ivory silk gown, famously made using ration coupons in the post-war era, marks a significant chapter in royal fashion history. Another early item in the collection is a silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress she wore in 1934 at the age of eight for the wedding of her uncle, the Duke of Kent.
The exhibition will also highlight the strategic and symbolic role clothing played during her reign. A gown worn for a state banquet in Pakistan in 1961, for instance, was custom-made in the country’s national colours of green and white—an example of how Queen Elizabeth subtly used fashion as a form of diplomacy. Also featured will be design sketches and handwritten correspondence, offering insights into the careful planning and thought behind her public appearances.
Visitors will not only see the grandeur of ceremonial attire but also get a rare look at the Queen’s more casual wardrobe. Items such as riding jackets, tartan skirts, and her trademark headscarves will shed light on the woman behind the crown and her personal preferences during private moments.
According to the exhibition’s curator, Caroline de Guitaut, the showcase will celebrate the Queen’s “uniquely British style” and her lasting impact on royal fashion. She emphasised that the garments reflect a lifetime of “thoughtful style choices” and demonstrate how the Queen understood the “soft power” her clothing could convey, while also highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship involved in creating each piece.
The exhibition promises to be not just a tribute to a royal figure, but also a powerful narrative of identity, diplomacy, and timeless elegance told through fabric, form, and fashion.
