A grand exhibition showcasing the fashion of the late Queen Elizabeth II is set to take place at Buckingham Palace next year, honoring her remarkable legacy as the longest-serving monarch in British history. Titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style,” the exhibition will run from April 10 to October 18, 2026, to commemorate the centenary of her birth.
Guests to the exhibition can look forward to approximately 200 items from the queen’s vast wardrobe, with nearly half being displayed to the public for the first time. Iconic pieces set to feature include the enchanting gowns she wore for both her wedding and coronation, alongside an array of other dresses that highlight her royal style throughout her 70-year reign. Among the standout items will be the tulle bridesmaid dress worn by eight-year-old Princess Elizabeth in 1934 and a selection of couture creations from her favored designer, Norman Hartnell.
Hartnell’s renowned designs in the exhibition will consist of an apple-green gown worn during a state banquet for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957, as well as the pastel blue outfit worn at her sister Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960. The display will also incorporate clothing from Elizabeth’s more personal wardrobe, revealing her off-duty style through riding outfits, Harris tweed jackets, raincoats, and headscarves, complemented by design sketches and fabric samples that provide insight into the fashion process of the queen.
A notable highlight of the collection is a transparent raincoat by Hardy Amies, crafted in the 1960s to showcase the queen’s vibrant outfits regardless of the weather. The exhibition will also present contemporary works inspired by the queen’s style from prominent British designers such as Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane. Kane emphasizes the significance of the queen’s wardrobe as a living archive of modern fashion history, showcasing the evolution of British fashion and its connection to national identity.
This exhibition promises to celebrate not only the fashion but also the lasting impact of Queen Elizabeth II, with her impending 100th birthday on April 21, 2026, adding further significance to the event. As anticipation builds for this unique opportunity to reflect on her legacy, the exhibition serves to highlight the rich history and elegance that characterized one of the most influential figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, making it a must-see event for fashion and history enthusiasts alike.