Buckingham Palace has announced plans to stage the most extensive exhibition of the late Queen Elizabeth II's personal style ever assembled, set to open in 2026. The landmark display, titled 'Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style', will mark what would have been the monarch's 100th birthday.
A Century of Style on Display
The exhibition will feature more than 200 items drawn from the Queen's wardrobe, spanning all ten decades of her life. Visitors to the King's Gallery will be treated to a stunning array of garments, from the opulent evening gowns designed by Norman Hartnell and her iconic Harris Tweed suits to the Balmoral tartan kilt she wore off-duty.
Among the key highlights will be several historically significant pieces. These include the Norman Hartnell wedding dress from 1947, the exquisite coronation gown created for her 1953 ceremony, and even a delicate bridesmaid dress she wore as a child in 1934.
Behind the Seams: The Making of an Icon
The exhibition promises to offer unprecedented insight into the careful construction of the Queen's public image. For the first time, the public will see never-before-displayed design sketches, fabric samples, and handwritten correspondence that reveal the meticulous thought process behind her outfits.
Caroline de Guitaut, exhibition curator and surveyor of The King's Works of Art, stated: "Only now, as the late Queen's fashion archive comes under the care of Royal Collection Trust, can we tell the story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices – from her hands-on role and understanding of the soft power behind her clothing, to the exceptional craftsmanship behind each garment."
A Lasting Fashion Legacy
The display will also underscore the Queen's enduring influence on fashion. Alongside the classic pieces, works by contemporary British designers like Erdem, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane will be shown, highlighting how her style evolved and continued to inspire.
In addition to clothing, a selection of the Queen's famous hats, shoes, accessories, and jewellery will be on view, complemented by photographs from renowned portraitist Cecil Beaton.
'Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style' will open at the King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace on 10 April 2026. Tickets for the historic exhibition are available to book online now.
