On April 20, 2026, King Charles III commemorated his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, with a visit to a newly unveiled exhibition at Buckingham Palace. The event, titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” is designed to celebrate the centenary of the Queen’s birth, which would have fallen on April 21. This significant exhibition showcases over 300 items from the late monarch’s extensive wardrobe.
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Accompanying the King during his visit was Lady Sarah Chatto, the only daughter of the late Princess Margaret and a niece to Queen Elizabeth. Despite her royal lineage, Lady Sarah is not a working member of the royal family and usually steps into the public eye only for special occasions. She was recently seen at Easter services alongside other members of the royal family.
King Charles, who is 77 years old, toured the exhibition with Queen Camilla by his side. A warm moment was captured on video, showing Lady Sarah and the King exchanging a double cheek kiss, followed by a curtsy from her, which highlights the royal protocol still observed among family members. Lady Sarah also greeted Queen Camilla with affection during the visit.
The exhibition, which opened to the public and will run until October 18, represents the most extensive showcase of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion to date, with more than half of the pieces displayed publicly for the first time. Among the notable items featured are the Queen’s wedding dress and tiara, worn during her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947, as well as the outfit she donned for the London Olympics opening ceremony in 2012.
As the royal family prepares to honour the memory of Queen Elizabeth, they have planned a series of tributes throughout the centenary celebrations. On April 21, the actual anniversary of her birth, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the British Museum to review design proposals for a memorial dedicated to the Queen in St. James’ Park. Meanwhile, Princess Anne, the King’s sister, will officially inaugurate the Queen Elizabeth II Garden at Regent’s Park. These events underscore the family’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the late monarch.
The day will culminate in a reception hosted by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other royal family members at Buckingham Palace. In addition to these public engagements, the King is expected to deliver a recorded speech reflecting on his mother’s extraordinary life and her unparalleled 70-year reign.
A source knowledgeable about the forthcoming address mentioned that King Charles intends to celebrate “an incredible life well lived” while reaffirming his commitment to serving the nation and the Commonwealth. The message is also set to highlight values important to him, such as fairness and the well-being of others.
The exhibition and the ceremonies are part of a broader effort by the royal family to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy while acknowledging her impact on modern Britain. The centenary celebrations not only pay tribute to her fashion and style but also mark a significant moment in the public’s collective memory of a monarch who defined an era. As the King reflects on his mother’s life, his words will resonate with deep gratitude and respect for a figure who dedicated herself to public service for seven decades.
The commemorative events and exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the rich history of the monarchy while celebrating the memory of Queen Elizabeth II in a fitting and stylish manner.