Inside The Late Queen’s Wardrobe: A New Exhibition

History, but make it fashion.

"If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am."

No-one understood the importance of image like the Late Queen – and a new exhibition at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace celebrates a wealth of her famous looks, many of which have never been displayed in public before. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is an unprecedented deep dive into the wardrobe of the most famous woman of the 20th century. From her christening robe to her wedding dress, her hats, jewellery, shoes, and accessories, this fascinating collection of over 300 curated pieces charts the course of the Queen’s changing style, both public and private, over nearly a century. The biggest of its kind to date. 

No such thing as travelling light

The Queen was closely involved in every aspect of her look and style, with an astute understanding of the importance of ‘being seen’. She did not play small when it came to colour – even inclement weather was navigated with her famous transparent Hardy Amies raincoat. And if you ever find yourself worrying that you’ve overpacked for your next holiday, take comfort in the fact that the Queen took 12 tonnes of luggage on her six-month Commonwealth tour in the mid-Fifties. One must always have options.

The famous wedding dress

For the first time ever, visitors will get the opportunity to see the Queen’s wedding dress up-close. Designed by her frequent collaborator, Norman Hartnell, this intricately-detailed silk gown (the fabric was famously bought with ration vouchers) was inspired by Botticelli’s Primavera and is embroidered with 10,000 white seed pearls, silver thread and crystals. “I despise simplicity,” Norman Hartnell once said. “It is the negation of all that is beautiful.” This exhibition gives us an insight into multiple aspects of the Queen’s life. In one instance, the Queen’s Coronation dress is the epitome of monarchical grandeur. In another, her Barbour, re-waxed rather than replaced, confirms an admirable disregard for waste. She had the coat for 25 years – a testament to British brands built to last. 

Your very royal stay

The Goring is, of course, perfectly positioned as your starting point and retreat for this exceptional exhibition. A mere hop, skip and a jump from Buckingham Palace, there is no better place to stay. You will emerge primed from an excellent night’s sleep on our crisp Italian linens, fuelled by a hearty breakfast before heading out to the exhibition, with your outstanding experience consolidated by lunch in the Dining Room or our specifically themed Timeless Style Afternoon Tea on your return. We’ll be waiting, enthused, to hear all about it. 

The King’s Gallery website will tell you this hotly anticipated exhibition is sold out. Big John and the Concierge team will tell you otherwise. When it comes to tickets, he has means and ways – so if you would like the definitive royal experience, we’d be delighted to host you. 

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is running from 10th April 2026 to 18th April 2027 at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Speak to Big John and The Goring Concierge for more details.