The opening of the large-scale exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at Buckingham Palace has become one of the year’s most notable events for the British monarchy. Timed to mark the centenary of the Queen’s birth, the showcase highlights not only the richness of her wardrobe, but also the influence Elizabeth II’s style had on royal fashion in the 20th and 21st centuries. In the wake of the monarch’s death in 2022, which led the dynasty through a series of crises, the exhibition serves as an attempt to reassess the role of personal appearance in strengthening the authority of the crown.
Organizers from the Royal Collection Trust have brought together 300 pieces of clothing and accessories at The King’s Gallery—setting a record for such events. The displays include not only dresses, but also hats, scarves, bags, shoes, umbrellas, and even binoculars, all selected from a collection of around 4,000 items. Special attention is given to headwear, which, according to curator Carolyn de Guitaut, best reflects the Queen’s boldest tastes. Through details and color choices in her clothing, Elizabeth II achieved distinctiveness while staying within the bounds of tradition.
The symbolism of color and silhouettes
The Queen deliberately chose bright shades and recognizable silhouettes to stand out in public. Her approach to selecting outfits became a sort of code that allowed her to be noticeable even at the most official events. According to russpain.com, this strategy formed the basis of how modern monarchs use fashion to convey messages to society. A well-known example is the famous blue coat with yellow flowers on her hat, worn for the opening of parliament after the Brexit referendum—a color combination that clearly echoed the European Union flag.
The exhibition covers all stages of Elizabeth II’s life: from childhood dresses made in Paris, to outfits for official events and everyday looks for her residence in Balmoral. Special attention is given to dresses for significant occasions, including her wedding gown and coronation dress, both crafted from ivory satin by Norman Hartnell. These items illustrate how the monarch’s style preferences and appearance requirements evolved over the decades.
Masters of Royal Style
Three designers played a key role in shaping the wardrobe of Elizabeth II: Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, and Angela Kelly. Each contributed to creating her recognizable image, which became a symbol of stability and continuity. Kelly, who began as a wardrobe assistant, eventually became a trusted confidante of the Queen and developed the famous ‘coat and dress in the same color’ formula that has been her signature style since the 1990s. This approach combined elegance with individuality and simplified the choice of attire for numerous official events.
The exhibition features tweed suits and tartan skirts for walks across the Scottish countryside, as well as green rain capes that became an essential part of her Balmoral persona. Special attention is given to the intricate detailing and embroidery of her wedding and coronation gowns, which remain benchmarks of royal fashion. These items not only reflect their era but also inspire future generations, including Kate Middleton, who is destined to continue these traditions.
Influence on the future
The exhibition goes beyond showcasing clothing—it raises the question of how symbolism and thoughtful wardrobe choices can shape the public perception of the monarchy. For Kate Middleton, who is preparing for her future role as queen, the experience of Elizabeth II serves as a guide: developing her own ‘working uniform’ with space for variations and a focus on meaningful details. This approach not only maintains recognizability but also sets new standards for public figures.
Interest in royal traditions and the personal stories of dynasty members remains high. Recently, Charlotte Casiraghi’s revelations about family changes and her personal views have drawn attention and were covered in detail in the article on how tragedy influenced Charlotte Casiraghi’s worldview. Such features highlight how personal life details and appearance play a key role in shaping public opinion about the monarchy.
The exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is open to visitors until October 18. Tickets cost €22 for adults, €14 for youth, and €11 for children. Private guided tours with wine tasting are available on request, as well as a special lecture by Caroline de Guito on the queen’s style, scheduled for April 28. Organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance due to anticipated high demand.
Elizabeth II, who reigned over the United Kingdom for more than seven decades, became one of the most recognizable figures in world history. Her approach to clothing and accessories set a new standard for monarchs, making appearance not only a reflection of personal taste but also a tool for communicating with society. Through a carefully considered strategy and attention to detail, the Queen crafted an image that remains relevant even after her passing, continuing to influence the style and traditions of the royal family.
