In 2026, to mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, the largest exhibition of the late Queen’s fashion will go on display at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace to tell the “story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices.”
Opening next spring and running to autumn 2026, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will see around 200 items go on display for the first time to chart the story of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch through clothing worn in all ten decades of her life.
Items worn from her birth to adulthood and her role as a princess through to queen will feature. Alongside clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories, visitors will be able to discover never-before-seen design sketches, fabric samples and handwritten correspondence revealing the behind-the-scenes process of creating her wardrobe.
On show for the first time will be one of the earliest surviving pieces of clothing from her childhood wardrobe: the silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress that she wore aged eight for the 1934 wedding of her uncle, the Duke of Kent, to Princess Marina of Greece. Her wedding dress worn in 1947 and Coronation dress from 1953 will feature in the exhibition - both of which were designed by Norman Hartnell.
Visitors will be able to see examples of her evening wear reflecting the evolution of fashion trends, from crinoline-skirted gowns of the 1950s to fluid printed dresses reflecting the relaxed glamour of the 1970s, on show for the first time.
The exhibition will also explore the Queen’s use of emblems and colours for overseas tours, including the white gown she wore for a 1961 State Banquet in Karachi, which incorporates Pakistan’s national colours. Examples of classic British tailoring worn by Queen Elizabeth II in her later years will also feature, including riding jackets, tartan skirts and silk headscarves.
Caroline de Guitaut, exhibition curator said: “Over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkably long reign, her distinctive style became instantly recognisable around the world, bolstering the British fashion industry and influencing generations of designers and couturiers.
“Only now, as the late Queen’s fashion archive comes under the care of Royal Collection Trust, can we tell the story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices – from her hands-on role and understanding of the soft power behind her clothing, to the exceptional craftsmanship behind each garment. In the year that she would have turned 100 years old, this exhibition will be a celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s uniquely British style and her enduring fashion legacy.”
An official publication, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style written by Caroline will accompany the exhibition. The publication will include contributions by fashion experts and designers.
Group visits to The King’s Gallery
The King’s Gallery is located on the site of what was once a private chapel for Queen Victoria, adjacent to Buckingham Palace. Groups of 15 or more visiting The King’s Gallery and other official residences of the King can enjoy discounted bookings and free multimedia guides.
Groups can also book exclusive after-hours access to The King’s Gallery from Monday to Thursday evenings. Evening talks and tours include a 30-minute talk by an expert guide, a private view of the exhibition with a self-guided tour and a glass of English sparkling wine.
For more information about group visits to The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, visit www.rct.uk/visit/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace.
