When she was born on April 21 1926, no one even expected her to ever become Queen. Yet as we prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s birth, multiple tributes to her are planned. From the largest-ever display of her fashion, to a commemorative garden, coins, and even a gold-plated corgi brooch, the potency of her legacy is front and center once again.
Buckingham Palace has announced that members of the royal family will attend several events on April 20 and 21 to honor the late Queen. And there are commemorative memorials, exhibitions and initiatives happening across the UK in her memory.
We look at all the ways Britain’s longest-reigning monarch is being honored 100 years after her birth.
Landmark Buckingham Palace Fashion Exhibition
Perhaps the most talked-about tribute taking place this year is the landmark fashion exhibition at Buckingham Palace’s King’s Gallery. Opening on April 10, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is billed as the largest-ever display of her fashion ever mounted. It will feature approximately 200 items from all 10 decades of her life, half of which are on display for the first time.
“‘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,” curator Caroline de Guitaut said.
Queen Elizabeth’s christening robe, on display at Buckingham Palace.
Elizabeth’s iconic christening robe, wedding and coronation dresses will be on display. Lesser-known items include a gown worn for a state banquet given for President Eisenhower in Washington in 1957, and her outfit for Princess Margaret’s wedding.
The exhibit will explore Queen Elizabeth’s distinctive style and also her influence on the British fashion industry. It is accompanied by an official book, a selection of gift items, and in-person and online events.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the exhibit on April 20.
More than 200 of the Queen’s items are on display, including a collection of her ball gowns.
Official Royal Collection Centenary Chinaware
It wouldn’t be a real royal milestone if it wasn’t honored with official chinaware. A range commissioned for the Royal Collection Trust takes inspiration from the late monarch’s wardrobe in a neat tie-in with the fashion exhibit.
Tea cups, saucers, plates, pillboxes, tea towels and spoons all form part of the collection. It comes in colors inspired by thread used by couturier Norman Hartnell for the embroidery on Elizabeth’s coronation dress; sky blue, foxglove pink, daffodil yellow and leaf green.
“The exceptional craftsmanship and care that went into the creation of each item in the late Queen’s wardrobe has served as the inspiration for the products in this centenary range, from keepsakes to pieces like the teaspoons that can be used every day,” said Kaneesha Bose, Head of Central Retail at RCT.
New Products From Her Much-Loved Brands
It’s not just the Royal Collection that has created new products to mark this year. Several brands worn by the late Queen have brought out commemorative items. Labels Burberry, Launer London, Kinloch Anderson, Corgi Socks, Dents, Floris, and Fulton Umbrellas have united to create a collection of items featuring the Old Stewart Tartan that Queen Elizabeth like to wear at Balmoral.
One of the cutest items in the collection is a $585 gold-plated Burberry brooch in the shape of a corgi. Launder London, who made the Queen’s iconic handbags, has created bags with tartan linings to mark the occasion. And perfumer Floris has crafted a centenary edition of night scented jasmine eau de toilette.
Publicly-Funded National Memorial
Plans are now in full-swing for the publicly-funded national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, which will be located at St James’s Park near to Buckingham Palace. The final designs are due to be unveiled in April 2026 and are being led by architects Foster + Partners under the direction of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. The design is expected to include multiple statues and a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara.
The design of new bridge in St James’s Park near Buckingham Palace is inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s wedding tiara.
A centerpiece of the memorial will be a statue on the Mall of the late Queen. She will be standing, despite the fact it had previously been indicated she may be depicted on horseback. “After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen’s monument will emphasise her role as Head of State and proudly follows a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in standing position,” sculptor Martin Jennings said.
On April 21, the King, Queen and members of the royal family will view the design recommendations for the memorial at the British Museum.
Regent’s Park Garden
A memorial garden in London’s Regent’s Park will commemorate the life of the late Queen, and it is set to be officially opened by Princess Anne on April 21. The free-to-visit garden is not publicly funded but paid for by the Royal Parks charity, which preserves some of London’s most iconic green spaces.
“The garden will transform a disused plant nursery into a beautiful tranquil two-acre garden, with significant benefits to nature,” Royal Parks said.
Commemorative Coins and Stamps
Coins and stamps to mark this milestone will be a must for many collectors. The Royal Mint has several 100th anniversary products including coins struck in 1926. The Westminster Collection also has coins and stamps to mark the milestone.
A Legacy That Lives on
Queen Elizabeth alongside then Prince Charles, Prince George, Prince William, and Princess Charlotte during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in 2022.
Almost four years since her death, Queen Elizabeth’s legacy remains embedded within royal and national life. In the past year, members of the royal family have presented Queen Elizabeth prizes for education, engineering, and British design. The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust has launched a special initiative to recognize 100 inspirational Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth in her 100th birthday year.
Members of her family continue to pay tribute to her with their words, but also their actions. Queen Elizabeth was the master of balancing continuity and change. This is an approach that King Charles has very much emulated, despite hype before his reign about whether he would take a different position and be a more “meddling monarch.”
For his part, future King William has described Queen Elizabeth as “a real guiding example of just what a good monarch could be.”
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
