An extensive exhibition showcasing Queen Elizabeth II’s life and influence as a cultural and style icon has opened at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, as Britain prepares to mark the centenary of her birth.
The exhibition features around 300 garments and fashion items, drawn from a collection of about 4,000 pieces once owned by the late monarch, offering the most comprehensive display of her wardrobe to date.
Among the items on display is a clear plastic raincoat, reflecting the queen’s approach to public visibility, ensuring she remained seen even during unfavourable weather conditions, reports AP/UNB.
The exhibition traces her evolution from a young princess to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, highlighting how fashion became a key tool of communication throughout her reign.
Curator Caroline de Guitaut said the queen had a strong sense of personal style and a clear understanding of how she wished to present herself.
The display includes notable garments such as ball gowns, tweed suits and headscarves, as well as distinctive pieces like the outfit worn by her stunt double during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, alongside the identical dress worn by the queen.
Designs by her longtime dressmaker Angela Kelly are prominently featured, including pieces tailored for major public appearances and ceremonial occasions.
The exhibition also highlights how the queen used colour and design to convey diplomatic messages, such as wearing green and white during her 1961 state visit to Pakistan to reflect the host nation’s colours.
Off-duty clothing, including outfits worn at Balmoral Castle and garments for outdoor activities, are displayed alongside formal attire from significant milestones such as her wedding and coronation.
Sketches and notes included in the exhibition show the queen’s direct involvement in shaping her wardrobe, underscoring her role in defining her public image.
Fashion industry figures said the collection affirms her status as a style icon, reflecting a consistent and deliberate approach to personal presentation throughout her life.
The exhibition, titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style”, will run until October 18 at the King’s Gallery.
