Buckingham Palace Celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Fashion Legacy With New Exhibition

Featuring rarely seen and never-before-displayed items

Queen Elizabeth II on Princess Margaret’s Wedding Day, Cecil Beaton, 1960.
(Image credit: Cecil Beaton / Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
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Unveiling a never-before-seen look into one of the most important British fashion collections of the 20th century, Buckingham Palace has announced its latest exhibition in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion legacy.

Taking place at the King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, in April 2026, tickets are now available for purchase online. The display is one of next year's most anticipated fashion exhibitions, featuring around 200 items that cover the late Queen's ten decades of life.

Gown displayed in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle

Evening gown displayed in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, worn in 1957.

(Image credit: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Paul Bulley)

Among the exhibition's highlights are couture eveningwear, including an apple-green gown designed by the Queen's most influential designer, Norman Hartnell, once worn to a state dinner in 1957, as well as the blue gown dress worn to Princess Margaret's wedding in 1960, known as the last time the Queen wore a full-length dress to a royal wedding in England.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dressed for Princess Margaret's wedding in 1960; by Sir Cecil Beaton (1904 - 80); U.K.; 1960.Cecil Beaton Archive.

Transparent rain coat, Hardy Amies, 1960s.

(Image credit: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Jon Stokes)

Aside from the opportunity to experience a rare glimpse into the Queen's formal and off-duty wardrobe, visitors will also be able to witness authentic designer sketches and fabric samples that offer an insight into the creative process behind designing for the Queen.

Naturally, the most famous woman in the world's wardrobe was sure to influence numerous designers during her tenure as Queen of the United Kingdom, which is why Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane will also be displaying pieces from their previous collections that the Queen's own wardrobe has inspired. These will be matched up with the original piece and displayed together in the exhibition.

ROY_290316_ 002

Harris Tweed jacket and Balmoral tartan kilt, Norman Hartnell, 1950s.

(Image credit: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Jon Stokes.)

"There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth II’s style and promotion of British couture over the 90 years had a huge impact on British fashion. The ultimate stamp of approval, she always shone a light on British designers, highlighting the relevance and significance of British fashion across the world," says designer and winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, Richard Quinn.

Tickets for Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style are now available at www.rct.uk.

Sofia Piza
Sofia Piza
Fashion Writer

Sofia Piza is the Fashion Writer at Marie Claire UK. With extensive experience and a degree in Fashion Journalism, she covers runway trends, shopping picks, celebrity fashion, and industry news.

Throughout her career, Sofia's work has ranged from in-depth interviews with industry experts and high-profile celebrities to creative production for editorial cover shoots and red-carpet coverage. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia's multicultural upbringing has fed into her interest in international markets, leading her fashion week coverage across London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets, people watching to make sure she brings you the latest trends, from the best denim pieces to the must-have investment bags- the possibilities are endless.