A landmark exhibition opening at The King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring fashion legacy through the most comprehensive display of her wardrobe ever seen.
Titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the exhibition will feature around 200 items, with half on display publicly for the first time.
It will span all ten decades of the late Queen’s life, from childhood garments to iconic royal ensembles, and include couture eveningwear, off-duty tailoring, jewellery, hats, shoes, and accessories.
Caroline de Guitaut, curator of the exhibition, said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe was a masterclass in symbolism, tailoring, and British craftsmanship.
“In this landmark exhibition, as well as unveiling garments spanning every decade of the late Queen’s life, we are thrilled to be including works by three contemporary designers who have so successfully reinterpreted her style for the present day, demonstrating how her fashion legacy continues to be woven into the fabric of British design.”
Among the highlights are garments worn for major milestones, including the Queen’s wedding dress, coronation gown, christening robe, and the crinoline-skirted blue gown worn at Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960.
Visitors will also see pieces from her lesser-seen personal collection, such as tailored tweed suits, riding attire, headscarves, and outerwear—many of which contributed to her instantly recognisable public image.
A Harris tweed jacket and Balmoral tartan skirt designed by Norman Hartnell in the 1950s will be on display, as will the green coat by Angela Kelly, worn in official photographs during the final years of her life.
The exhibition will also feature behind-the-scenes design sketches, fabric samples, and handwritten notes, offering a glimpse into the meticulous planning behind each outfit.
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Prominent British designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane will each contribute pieces to the exhibition.
Each piece will be paired with a related item from the late Queen’s own fashion archive, and the designers will share reflections on her influence in the official centenary book, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style.
Mr Moralioglu said: “The wardrobe of Her late Majesty is a snapshot of a very long life, a life of duty, and in so many ways it’s a time capsule.
“It captures a very specific and important moment in history.”
Mr Quinn, winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, said: “There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth II’s style and promotion of British couture over the 90 years had a huge impact on British fashion.
“The ultimate stamp of approval, she always shone a light on British designers, highlighting the relevance and significance of British fashion across the world.”
Mr Kane called her wardrobe “one of the most significant living archives in modern fashion history”.
He said: “Her garments tell the story of Britain and its changing identity through fashion.
“For designers and students, it offers a masterclass in silhouette, construction, repetition, symbolism, and, perhaps most importantly, restraint.”
As part of the Royal Collection Trust’s goal to broaden public access, £1 tickets will be available throughout the exhibition for visitors on Universal Credit and select other benefits.
Additional concessions, including discounted tickets for 18–24-year-olds, will also be offered.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from April 10 to October 18, 2026.
Tickets are available now through the Royal Collection Trust website.
