Few figures in modern history have embodied elegance, diplomacy and continuity quite like Queen Elizabeth II. As monarch for over 70 years, her wardrobe told a story far beyond aesthetics—it was a carefully curated symbol of duty, unity and grace. Now, in 2026, that story will be told in full through a landmark fashion exhibition at Buckingham Palace.
Opening at the King’s Gallery, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will be the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of her fashion legacy ever assembled. Marking what would have been the Queen’s centenary year, the exhibition will showcase more than 200 garments and accessories from the Royal Collection Trust—many of them displayed publicly for the very first time.
A Childhood of Couture
One of the earliest pieces on display will be a delicate silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress designed by Edward Molyneux, worn by the then eight-year-old princess at the 1934 wedding of her uncle, the Duke of Kent. This rare piece signals the beginning of the Queen’s lifelong relationship with couture and meticulous tailoring—an aesthetic refined over decades.
The Wedding of the Century
Few royal garments have made as much of a mark on fashion history as Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress, created by Norman Hartnell in 1947. Crafted in ivory duchess satin and embellished with floral motifs symbolising rebirth and renewal after World War II, the gown represented hope for a nation and the world. It will be one of the standout attractions in the exhibition, shown alongside original design sketches and letters that reveal the Queen’s direct involvement in the creative process.
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A Coronation in Gold and Glory
Another unforgettable ensemble featured is the Coronation gown, also by Hartnell, worn during her crowning in 1953. Embroidered with symbols representing the nations of the Commonwealth, the dress is a dazzling example of sartorial symbolism. This iconic piece helped establish Queen Elizabeth II not only as sovereign but as a fashion icon whose wardrobe carried cultural and political weight.
From State Banquets to Off-Duty Elegance
The exhibition will also explore the Queen’s nuanced understanding of diplomatic dressing—a signature hallmark of her style. One striking example is a white Norman Hartnell gown with emerald pleating, created for a 1961 State Banquet in Karachi. The colours subtly echoed Pakistan’s national palette, showcasing the Queen’s ability to communicate respect and diplomacy through design.
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Alongside formalwear, visitors will also see the Queen’s more relaxed attire: tailored tweed jackets, silk headscarves, and her iconic Hermès accessories, reflecting her countryside style rooted in British tradition.
Craftsmanship and the Power of Soft Diplomacy
What makes Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe truly remarkable is not just its beauty but its strategic intention. Each outfit—whether worn for an overseas state visit or a Sunday church service—was carefully considered. The Queen understood the language of fashion and wielded it with subtle precision, often opting for bright colours to remain visible to her people and embroidery with deep symbolism to honour the occasions she graced.
The exhibition will reveal this unseen side of royal fashion, including fabric swatches, designer annotations, and personal notes that show her hands-on role in shaping her public image.
Enduring Influence on Modern British Fashion
From designers like Richard Quinn, who dedicated a show to the Queen, to Erdem, whose florals echo her garden party finesse, Queen Elizabeth II’s style continues to shape contemporary British fashion. Her Life in Style pays homage to this enduring influence, cementing her place in the pantheon of fashion greats—not just as a royal figure but as an icon of quiet power, refinement, and resilience.
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Plan Your Visit
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run from spring to autumn 2026 at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Tickets will be available starting November 2025 via the Royal Collection Trust. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a collector’s book, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style, offering deeper insights from curators, designers, and fashion historians.
