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From colour-blocked coats to coronation gowns, Queen Elizabeth II‘s wardrobe was anything but twin-set and pearls – and soon the public will get a rare chance to see the late monarch’s style up close.
A major new exhibition, ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style’, is set to open at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace in spring 2026, marking what would have been Her Majesty’s 100th birthday. The show will chart the Queen’s life through fashion, with around 200 pieces on display – including some that have never been shown before.
The Royal Collection Trust, which now oversees the Queen’s clothing archive, says it will be the largest exhibition of her outfits ever staged, with over 200 items on show. Expect a full fashion timeline: from the silver lamé bridesmaid dress she wore aged eight at her uncle’s wedding in 1934, to her 1947 wedding gown by Sir Norman Hartnell, her coronation dress, and many of the classic coats, handbags and headscarves that defined her public image.
“In the year that she would have turned 100 years old, this exhibition will be a celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s uniquely British style and her enduring fashion legacy,” said Caroline de Guitaut, the exhibition’s curator.
She added that the display would highlight “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.”
The show will also shine a light on the diplomatic messaging behind many of her fashion choices. One standout example was a green and white gown worn to a 1961 state banquet in Pakistan, designed in the colours of the host nation’s flag.
Visitors can also expect design sketches, fabric swatches and even handwritten notes, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the styling of one of the world’s most recognisable women. From evening dresses by Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas to casual tweeds, tartan skirts and riding jackets, the exhibition promises to reflect the Queen’s official and off-duty style.
The Palace has confirmed that the show will run from spring through to autumn 2026, but ticket details won’t be released until November 2025. A companion book, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style, featuring essays from fashion historians and designers, will also be published to coincide with the opening.
“Over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkably long reign, her distinctive style became instantly recognisable around the world, bolstering the British fashion industry and influencing generations of designers and couturiers,” de Guitaut noted.
So whether you’re a royal watcher or a fashion fan, this will be one to mark on the calendar. For those interested in royal affairs, the final design for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will also be unveiled in 2026.
