An exhibition proving that Royal style still matters …
Main image; Evening gowns, Norman Hartnell, 1958. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026. Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Paul Bulley.
Devotees of Burberry should note its iconic House Check has been recreated to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was a longtime fan of the brand. In a holly green palette, the check is inspired by a tartan worn by the Queen, the Old Stewart Tartan.
This features on the silk lining of a car coat and the border of a silk twill scarf printed with a hand-painted depiction of Balmoral Castle – the Highland home of the Royal Family. There’s also a cute corgi brooch adorned with a freshwater pearl. This capsule collection launched ahead of a landmark exhibition, “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
© Cecil Beaton, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
I’ve written about Queen Elizabeth’s fashion before. Discreet, diplomatic and, let’s face it, at times dowdy are some of the descriptors associated with her fashion choices, yet her style has had a continued influence on the fashion industry, especially on designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn and Christopher Kane. They have all contributed pieces to the exhibition, which includes 200 items charting all ten decades of her life. They also provide reflections on Her late Majesty’s fashion legacy in the official centenary book of the same name.
Featuring a tribute by Dame Anna Wintour and an essay by Amy de la Haye, Professor of Dress History and Curatorship at London College of Fashion, Erdem says, “The wardrobe of Her late Majesty is a snapshot of a very long life of duty and in so many ways a time capsule. It captures a very specific moment and important moment in history.”
Richard Quinn, winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II award for British Design, believes the Queen had a “huge impact” on the promotion of British couture over 90 years. “The ultimate stamp of approval, she always shone a light on British designers, highlighting the relevance and significance of British fashion across the world.”
Norman Hartnell evening gown, 1957, worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
Visitors to the exhibition will be treated to behind the scenes sketches, illustrations, annotations and fabric samples giving insight into the process of dressing the most famous woman in the world. Couture eveningwear created by her most influential designer, Norman Hartnell, includes the apple green gown worn for for a state banquet given for President Eisenhower at the British Embassy in Washington DC in 1957.
A sketch for an evening gown worn on the tour of India, Nepal and Pakistan by Norman Hartnell, 1961. Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026.
There’s also clothing worn for family occasions such as Princess Margaret’s wedding – a full length blue gown and bolero adorned with three silk roses – perhaps a nod to the bride’s name Margaret Rose. The exhibition also brings together her private, off duty wardrobe – practical Harris tweed jackets and tartan skirts, distinctive silk headscarves, riding gear and a green coat made by Angela Kelly, which she wore in official photographs in the last years of her life. There’s also her famous clear plastic raincoat and colour-tipped clear umbrellas used on official engagements – allowing her often block daywear to be visible to crowds no matter the weather. The Queen always said, “I have to be seen to be believed.”
The Queen’s Coronation Dress, Norman Hartnell, 1953.
Perhaps designer Christopher Kane sums up the appeal of the exhibition to a wider audience, not just royal fans. “From the decline of the court dressmaker to the rise of couturiers like Hartnell and Hardy Amies, her garments tell the story of Britain and its changing identity through fashion. For designers and student, it offers a masterclass in silhouette, construction, repetition, symbolism and, perhaps most importantly, restraint.”
Where To Stay In London
The Goring, London SW1
If you want a regal stay, The Goring has had ongoing links to the royal family. The Queen often popped in for lunch while Catherine, Princess of Wales, famously stayed on the eve of her wedding. It’s described as a “baby grand” and is London’s last remaining family-owned luxury hotel. Originally built by Otto Goring in 1910, his great grandson Jeremy has been refreshing the hotel with swish interiors by Russell Sage Studio – think flamboyant florals, jewel colours and witty artworks. Staff couldn’t be more friendly – some on placement from Shannon Hospitality School – and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see the pet Shetland pony Teddy. Whether you pop in for a drink in the clubby Cocktail Bar (order The Garden Negroni), book afternoon tea on the Veranda overlooking the garden or enjoy dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant that’s theatrical and fun, you’re sure to leave with special memories. If dining, follow the late Queen Mother’s lead and order Eggs Drumkilbo. @thegoring
The Rubens, Buckingham Palace Road
I’ve also stayed here, just behind Buckingham Palace, located within what I call the rarefied Golden Triangle of Victoria, Pimlico and Belgravia. It’s part of the Red Carnation Collection and, like its sister hotels – Ashford Castle and The Milestone being two – it’s opulent and traditional with top hatted doormen, silver trolley service, a resident jazz singer, and lots of red and gilt décor in the communal restaurant areas. The rooms are more muted, though still regal – an ode to British style. Expect pomp and circumstance when dining either at the English Grill or in the Curry Room, which has interesting thalis – it’s one of the best Indian restaurant experiences I’ve tried. Afternoon tea in the Palace Lounge will appeal to The Crown-obsessed; window-facing seats and sofas look directly into the Royal Mews. A notable feature is its remarkable Living Wall (as shown on Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron) made from 10,000 herbaceous plants, which enhances the air quality and temperature regulation of the area. @rubenshotel
Need to know: “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” is at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from April 10 to October 18. @royalcollectiontrust
