The Wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II Gets Its Largest Outing Yet
A new exhibition at Buckingham Palace presents the wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II, spanning nine decades of her reign. The display highlights the elegance and evolution of English fashion, featuring 200 garments that trace her life story — from her iconic wedding gown to the transparent raincoat she wore on informal occasions.
A Royal Moment in Fashion History
Choosing an outfit for one’s sibling’s wedding is never simple, but for a queen, the decision carries national significance. When Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, Queen Elizabeth faced immense public scrutiny, as the ceremony was the first royal wedding ever televised.
At the time, Elizabeth had been on the throne for seven years. To prepare for the occasion, she turned once again to British designer Norman Hartnell, the same couturier behind her own wedding dress. Hartnell designed a light blue gown with a crinoline skirt and a bolero jacket, embodying both formality and grace.
A Vision Captured by Cecil Beaton
The queen’s ensemble was completed with gloves, a rose-adorned hat, and a string of pearls. Renowned photographer Cecil Beaton immortalized this image, one that projected dignity and familial devotion. The wedding was watched by nearly 300 million viewers across the Commonwealth, solidifying her image as a symbol of stability and tradition.
“An image of Elizabeth, steady and devoted to her family and to the British people, prevailed.”
Ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret, designed by Norman Hartnell, 1960. Credit: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.
Author’s Summary
The exhibition at Buckingham Palace celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s nine-decade journey through fashion, reflecting her enduring poise and national influence.