Next year, Buckingham Palace will unveil an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to the fashion of Queen Elizabeth II, timed to commemorate what would have been her 100th birthday.
The landmark show promises a breathtaking journey through the monarch’s life and remarkable 70-year reign, featuring approximately 200 items – a significant portion never before seen by the public.
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign, possessed a wardrobe considered a vital chronicle of 20th-century British fashion, reflecting eras of immense social and political change.
Among the treasures will be a delicate tulle bridesmaid dress worn by a young Princess Elizabeth in 1934, offering a glimpse into her childhood, alongside the exquisitely crafted couture gowns created by her favored designer, Norman Hartnell.
Hartnell’s creations defined much of the Queen’s public image, including the striking apple-green gown worn during a state banquet for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 and the pastel blue ensemble she donned for Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960.
The exhibition won’t solely focus on grand state occasions; it will also reveal intimate glimpses into the Queen’s private life through her everyday attire – riding clothes, tweed jackets, practical raincoats, and colorful headscarves.
A surprising inclusion is a 1960s transparent raincoat designed by Hardy Amies, a bold and forward-thinking piece intended to showcase the Queen’s vibrant outfits even in inclement weather.
The exhibition will also showcase the influence of the Queen’s style on contemporary British designers, featuring works by Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane.
Christopher Kane emphasized the historical significance of the Queen’s wardrobe, stating it chronicles Britain’s evolving identity through the lens of fashion, offering invaluable lessons in design and restraint.
“Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style” will open at Buckingham Palace on April 10, 2026, and run through October 18, 2026, offering a unique and intimate portrait of a remarkable life lived in the public eye.
