The largest-ever exhibition showcasing the late Queen Elizabeth II's fashion is set to open at Buckingham Palace next year. This exhibition is organized to commemorate the centenary of her birth, which would have been celebrated on April 21, 2026. The announcement was made by officials on Tuesday, revealing that the display will feature approximately 200 items, nearly half of which have never been publicly exhibited before.
Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, holds the record for being the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Her extensive clothing archive is recognized as one of the most significant collections of 20th-century British fashion. The upcoming exhibition will chronicle the queen's life and her historic 70-year reign, showcasing the evolution of her personal and public style through various decades.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are notable pieces such as a tulle bridesmaid dress worn by an 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth in 1934, and couture dresses by her esteemed designer, Norman Hartnell. Hartnell created numerous iconic gowns for the queen, including an apple-green gown she wore during a state banquet for U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington, D.C. in 1957, as well as her wedding and coronation dresses. Additionally, a pastel blue gown with a matching jacket, worn by Elizabeth for her sister, Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960, will also be on display.
The exhibition will provide visitors a glimpse into Elizabeth’s personal wardrobe, featuring items from her off-duty life, including riding clothes, Harris tweed jackets, raincoats, and headscarves. The inclusion of design sketches and fabric samples will offer insights into the intricate process of dressing this iconic queen. Besides Hartnell, the exhibition will also highlight pieces designed by contemporary British designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane, all of whom were inspired by Elizabeth’s distinctive style.
Christopher Kane commented on the significance of Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe, calling it “one of the most significant living archives in modern fashion history.” He noted that her garments reflect the history of Britain and its evolving identity through fashion, illustrating the transition from court dressmakers to prominent couturiers like Hartnell and Hardy Amies. Kane emphasized that for designers and students, this exhibition will serve as a masterclass in various aspects of fashion, including silhouette, construction, symbolism, and restraint.
The exhibition titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style” will run from April 10, 2026, to October 18, 2026, at Buckingham Palace. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, marking an important opportunity for the public to engage with this captivating exploration of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion legacy.
