An exhibition chronicling the iconic wardrobe of the late Queen Elizabeth II has opened at Buckingham Palace, showcasing over 300 significant items from her personal collection. Titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” this exhibition invites visitors to explore the fashion choices that defined the monarch throughout her remarkable 70-year reign.
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The display is set to run from April 10 to October 18 at The King’s Gallery and features a wide array of garments and accessories, including the Queen’s christening gown, wedding dress, and her coronation attire. Additionally, visitors can view outfits worn during her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees, moments that underline key milestones admired and celebrated during her time on the throne.
Curator Caroline de Guitaut emphasised how the Queen approached fashion with a keen eye and a diplomatic flair, reflecting the richness of British style. “Queen Elizabeth took a deep and thoughtful interest in every aspect of her wardrobe, using fashion as diplomacy while consistently championing the UK’s fashion industry,” she remarked. The exhibition aims to expose the public to the layers of meaning behind the Queen’s sartorial choices, celebrating her legacy in a contemporary light.
Among the more whimsical highlights of the collection is a pair of dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth and her stunt double during the memorable opening skit of the London 2012 Summer Olympics. This segment featured a playful interaction between the Queen and renowned actor Daniel Craig, who played the iconic character James Bond. Directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle, the sketch captured global attention and has since been immortalised in the annals of royal history.
In the skit, Queen Elizabeth is depicted in her study, where she meets Bond before their dramatic arrival at the London Stadium in a helicopter. In a surprising twist, after their flight, the Queen’s stunt double leapt from the helicopter, parachuting into the stadium to signal the beginning of the Games. This daring moment was a notable departure from the Queen’s usual public persona, drawing cheers and applause from the gathered audience.
Angela Kelly, the Queen’s trusted dresser and confidante, has detailed the behind-the-scenes conversations that led to the creation of the skit in her book “The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe.” Reflecting on her initial discussion with Boyle, Kelly shared how she quickly consulted the Queen about the idea. “Having listened to Danny’s plan, I asked him and Edward to give me five minutes so that I could ask the Queen,” she recalled, noting the surprised reaction of those present at the suggestion.
Remarkably, the Queen found the concept amusing and agreed to participate, though she insisted on delivering a line. “Of course I must say something. After all, he is coming to rescue me,” she said, demonstrating her trademark wit and charm. Kelly further recounted that the Queen chose to say “Good evening, Mr. Bond,” showcasing her familiarity with the enduring Bond franchise.
The collaborative effort to create the film sequence extended to the design of the two peach crystal and lace gowns, which were custom-made for both the Queen and Gary Connery, the stuntman who executed the parachute jump. Kelly’s creativity and attention to detail ensured that both gowns maintained the elegance expected of the monarch.
The surprise element of this stunt was tightly guarded, even among those involved in its execution. In her book “Dressing The Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe,” Kelly noted how Buckingham Palace dressmakers never had both dresses out simultaneously, effectively minimising any speculation about the project. “Even they didn’t know why two dresses were required for the same event,” Kelly reflected.
As the exhibition continues to draw attention, it celebrates not only the fashion legacy of the Queen but also an unforgettable moment of British culture that resonated with audiences far and wide. The combination of style and theatricality from that Olympic ceremony exemplifies how Queen Elizabeth seamlessly blended her royal duties with moments of levity and joy, ensuring her legacy remains firmly embedded in both history and popular culture.