Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe is about to step out from behind palace doors and onto the world stage in a grand exhibition set for London in 2026. Marking what would have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday, “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” promises to be the most extensive showcase of her fashion ever assembled, opening next spring at The King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace.
This exhibition is a window into the life of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, tracing her journey from princess to queen through the garments she carefully chose to wear. Around 200 items will be on display, with half making their public debut. Visitors will get to see everything from childhood pieces like the silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress she wore at age eight, to iconic couture designed by Norman Hartnell — the mastermind behind her 1947 wedding dress and the coronation gown of 1953.
Curator Caroline de Guitaut explains that the exhibition will reveal how Elizabeth’s fashion was a form of soft power. Every stitch and fabric choice was deliberate, reflecting her hands-on approach and the craftsmanship behind British couture. The show will also highlight her diplomatic savvy, featuring pieces designed to incorporate national colors during overseas visits.
But it’s not all formalwear and royal symbolism. The exhibit will include her country clothes — riding jackets, tartan skirts, silk headscarves — capturing a fuller picture of the queen’s style across decades and occasions.
The archive itself is one of the largest collections of 20th-century British fashion, and the exhibition will pull back the curtain on design sketches, fabric samples, and handwritten notes that tell the story behind each outfit. This fresh insight into Elizabeth’s wardrobe offers a new appreciation for the queen’s influence on British fashion and her enduring legacy.
Tickets go on sale in November 2025, and alongside the exhibition, an official publication titled Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style will be released in March 2026, featuring expert commentary and celebrating the queen’s lifelong commitment to British fashion. For anyone fascinated by royal style or fashion history, this promises to be an unmissable exhibition.
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