The landmark show explores the late monarch’s strategic use of dress over seven decades of reign
Buckingham Palace will host a major exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe in Spring 2026, offering an unprecedented look at how clothing shaped the monarch’s public image. Titled “Style & Society: Dressing Queen Elizabeth II,” the show will mark what would have been her centenary year and include several garments and accessories worn across ceremonial, diplomatic, and personal occasions.
The exhibition, launching in the year that would have marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, will present approximately 200 items from the Royal Collection. Notably, about half of these pieces will be on public display for the very first time. Visitors will trace the evolution of her style from her early childhood as Princess Elizabeth to her transformative years as Queen, encompassing both her public-facing grandeur and her more private, off-duty ensembles. The breadth of the collection, which includes clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, and accessories, will additionally be paired with design sketches, fabric samples, and handwritten correspondence, illuminating the intricate process behind dressing one of the world’s most recognizable figures and highlighting her direct involvement in the creation of her wardrobe.
Curated by Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art, emphasizes the enduring impact of the Queen’s distinctive style. Her reign saw her clothing become instantly recognizable globally, serving as a powerful tool for diplomatic engagement and a consistent champion for the British fashion industry. Pieces on display will include her 1947 wedding dress and 1953 coronation gown, both designed by Norman Hartnell. They will showcase her evolution of eveningwear through pieces such as Hartnell’s and Hardy Amies’ crinoline-skirted gowns and vibrantly printed dresses by Ian Thomas. Beyond formal wear, the exhibition will feature examples of her practical everyday style, including riding jackets, tartan skirts, and silk headscarves, which continue to inspire contemporary designers.
It marks a significant moment for understanding how Queen Elizabeth II wielded her wardrobe as a strategic element of her public persona. The accompanying official publication, “Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style,” written by de Guitaut, will further explore her sartorial legacy. Exhibit and publication together examine the strategic function of royal dress, from coded color choices to recurring silhouettes that became visual shorthand for continuity. Style & Society marks the first dedicated look at Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong use of fashion as a means of communication. This retrospective offers a nuanced understanding of her impact on fashion and discerning approach to dressing, detailing how her carefully cultivated image resonated globally throughout her historic reign.
