In a poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace is showcasing over 300 items from her personal wardrobe. This exhibition, titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” runs from 10 April to 18 October 2023, marking what would have been her 100th birthday. It offers a rare glimpse into the Queen’s life through her fashion choices, featuring a diverse array of garments that tell the story of her remarkable journey as monarch.
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Among the treasured pieces on display is the iconic Honiton christening gown, a royal garment steeped in history. This particular gown has been worn by 62 royal infants, beginning with the baptism of Princess Victoria, the daughter of Queen Victoria, in 1841. Crafted to mirror Queen Victoria’s own wedding dress, the gown is distinguished by lace created by Janet Sutherland, a skilled artisan from Falkirk, Scotland. This links the gown to over a century of royal tradition and sentiment.
Delving deeper into the genealogy of this historic piece, the exhibition highlights that notable members of the royal family have been christened in it. The first future monarch to wear the gown was King Edward VII, followed by significant successors, including King George V, King Edward VIII, and Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI. Both King Charles and Prince William also had their ceremonies in this cherished garment, firmly establishing its integral role in royal heritage.
The display not only includes this distinguished gown but also features an extensive range of other garments. Items such as the Queen’s wedding dress, her coronation attire, and outfits worn during meetings with dignitaries and celebrities are among the collection. This showcases not only the Queen’s fashion evolution but also her important encounters throughout her reign. Additionally, visitors can view an extensive array of jewellery, hats, handbags, and gloves, with more than half of the exhibition’s items being shown for the first time.
While the original Honiton gown has been meticulously preserved over the years, in the mid-2000s, the Queen opted to retire the garment, commissioning a replica gown for future use. Lady Louise Windsor, the Queen’s granddaughter, was the last baby to wear the original gown during her baptism, while her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, became the first to don the replica. This decision allowed the legacy of the gown to continue, as the replica has since been used for the christening of the current generation of royals, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate.
Following the exhibition’s preparation, professional conservators from the Royal Collection dedicated approximately 100 hours to ensure the gown’s perfect condition for display. The delicate process involved careful handwashing and small repairs, allowing for the gown to remain a pristine representation of British craftsmanship. Cecilia Oliver, the Trust’s textile conservator, undertook the meticulous task of reinforcing certain fragile areas of the fabric to prevent further deterioration.
Curator Caroline de Guitaut expressed her views on the significance of the gown, stating, “The christening robe was the most significant garment worn by Princess Elizabeth in her infancy and is an exceptional example of British craftsmanship.” She emphasized the gown’s importance within the royal wardrobe and its lasting legacy, as it connects the past with the present through its association with various royal infants.
The exhibition is set against the backdrop of a wider celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s understanding of style and tradition, as well as her ongoing influence in contemporary royal fashion. By displaying these items, Buckingham Palace not only educates the public about the profound personal history of the monarchy but also fosters a connection to the past for both current and future generations. Visitors are encouraged to engage with this remarkable collection, celebrating the Queen’s enduring legacy in a year that marks a centennial milestone.
As Buckingham Palace opens its doors for this special exhibition, it invites all to reflect on the Queen’s life and the role that clothing played in shaping her identity as a beloved monarch. The items on display capture not just the essence of her style but also the spirit of an era shaped by her presence and leadership.