The Wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II Displays Its Largest Exhibition
The wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II, covering nine decades, is showcased at Buckingham Palace with a focus on English designers. The exhibition presents 200 pieces, revealing the royal's life through her fashion—from her wedding gown to her transparent raincoat.
Highlight: The 1960 Wedding Dress
Choosing an outfit for a sibling's wedding is challenging, especially when you are the queen and the event is televised nationwide and across the Commonwealth. This was the case for Queen Elizabeth II ahead of her sister Princess Margaret’s 1960 wedding to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.
At that time, Elizabeth II had reigned for seven years. She invited British designer Norman Hartnell, who crafted her own wedding dress, to design her sister’s outfit. The resulting ensemble featured a light blue gown with a crinoline skirt and a bolero jacket.
“Around 300 million people watched the nuptials. An image of Elizabeth, steady and devoted to her family and to the British people, prevailed.”
The queen’s look was completed with gloves, a fabric rose hat, and pearls, and was famously captured by photographer Cecil Beaton.
Credit: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.
Summary
This exhibition at Buckingham Palace eloquently narrates Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy through her iconic wardrobe, spotlighting key moments shaped by British fashion talents.