Buckingham Palace to showcase Elizabeth II's iconic wardrobe

November 04, 2025 / 10:37 AM

Sharjah24 - AFP: Buckingham Palace will open an unprecedented exhibition next year honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion legacy spanning her 70-year reign. Titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” the exhibition will feature around 200 garments, half of which have never been displayed before, according to the Royal Collection.

British designer Erdem Moralioglu described the Queen’s wardrobe as “a time capsule of a long life of duty,” reflecting both history and personal expression.

Designers honour the Queen’s cultural influence

The showcase will include contributions from leading British designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane, highlighting the Queen’s lasting influence on British fashion. “She always shone a light on British designers,” said Quinn, while Kane noted that her garments “tell the story of Britain’s evolving identity through fashion.”

The exhibition opens at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, in April 2026, running until October 18, 2026.

Historic pieces and personal touches

On display will be the Queen’s wedding dress and coronation gown designed by Norman Hartnell, as well as the apple-green gown worn at a 1957 state banquet for U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors will also see riding attire, silk scarves, and even a clear plastic raincoat by Hardy Amies from the 1960s — considered strikingly modern for its time.

Curator Caroline de Guitaut said the collection reflects “a masterclass in symbolism, tailoring, and British craftsmanship.”

Tickets for the highly anticipated exhibition go on sale this Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022.