Childhood couture to diplomatic glamour: Inside late Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion archive

Next year, Buckingham Palace is opening the doors to something truly special: a grand exhibition celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic fashion moments, timed to mark 100 years since her birth.

Titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the exhibition will open at the King’s Gallery in spring 2026 and if you’re even a little bit interested in royal fashion, this is one not to miss.What makes this one stand out? For starters, it’s being billed as the biggest and most detailed display of the late Queen’s wardrobe ever seen, with more than 200 pieces pulled from her personal fashion archive. We’re talking everything from tiaras and evening gowns to her signature headscarves and sensible shoes.

There’s a real journey here, from one of the earliest surviving pieces in her childhood wardrobe (a delicate silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress she wore at age eight in 1934) to the now-iconic Norman Hartnell wedding gown she wore in 1947. These outfits don’t just mark royal milestones, they reflect nearly a century of British fashion history through the eyes of a monarch who understood the power of clothing.Alongside the statement looks, like coronation robes and glittering State Banquet gowns, visitors will also get a peek at the Queen’s more personal, off-duty side.

Think tailored riding jackets, tartan skirts, and the silk scarves she loved to tie around her head while walking the dogs or heading to Balmoral.

What’s particularly exciting is that many of these pieces have never been displayed before. And this time, it’s not just the fashion that’s on show. For the first time, we’ll also get to see original sketches, fabric swatches, and handwritten letters by the Queen herself, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how her wardrobe came together, often with her direct input.

Designers like Richard Quinn and Erdem have already acknowledged her influence in their collections in recent years. And with this rare glimpse into her fashion archive, her legacy is sure to inspire a whole new generation of British design.Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run from spring to autumn 2026. While the exact opening date is still under wraps, tickets go on sale this November. There’ll also be an accompanying book, curated by Caroline de Guitaut, with essays from designers and commentators who’ve studied her style in depth.For royal watchers, fashion lovers, and anyone curious about how style can tell a story, this exhibition promises to be a landmark moment.