This is an absolute blockbuster of an exhibition and, if you can get your hands on some tickets, then do go. I visited with a friend, it was the last day of October and the weather was stunning. We caught an early train to Charing Cross and walked along The Mall to the palace stopping off for a stroll and a coffee in St James’ Park, one of my favourite places.

I had no idea that the young Queen Elizabeth was so petite, she had a real hourglass figure with a tiny waist and curves, perfect for the dazzling array of gowns she was fortunate enough to wear in her lifetime. There are hundreds of dresses on display from her christening gown, wedding dress, coronation gown and the peach lace dress she wore for the skit she filmed with Daniel Craig for the 2012 Olympics. The bigger version that her stunt double wore is also displayed.

Liberty print day dresses, Christening Gown, Dresses made for fancy dress for pantomimes Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret performed at Windsor Castle

The pretty Liberty print dresses are something any little girl may still wear today but how many children have stunning medieval costumes made for them so that they can perform in their own panto in a castle? Moving on from the childhood attire there are the uniforms young Elizabeth wore during her time serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service

A jacket cut epecially for horseriding

One of the most quirky outfits featured is this “poodle” skirt from 1951 (below) which is embellished with a scene from Romeo and Juliet, This was designed by Californian Juli Lynne Charlot and worn to a square dancing party in Ottowa. Four of the velvet coat dresses were on display in the most beautiful jewel tones, simple but incredibly elegant.

Norman Hartnell designed both Elizbeth’s wedding dress in 1947 and her Coronation gown in 1953. They are ladened with both symbolism and detail . He and The Queen had a long collaboration and there are so many simply spectacular gowns of his on display along with those of Hardy Amies. It is sad to think neither of these fashion houses survive today .

Wedding dress, discoloured now and the Coronation Gown

There are tweeds for days spent at Sandringham displayed with beautiful silk scarves from Hermes and Lanvin. Bellow is her rain cape designed by Hardy Amies and famous bird cage umbrella. The Queen’s formal wear would of course still be visible under the clear plastic of the cape.

The number of spectacular gowns on display is simply jaw dropping. So many exquisite items most of which are as beautiful from the back as the front. I did feel that these should have been behind glass as I am sure some visitors will touch them or, even worse, try to steal a bead of button.

You can see The Queens Aigner handbags and tassled loafers together with gloves and a myriad of hats, so many hats! The dresses from the 1970s were very distinctive and, perhaps some may feel, less elegant than their more classic predecessors. The long cape-style sleeves featured quite heavily during this period.

Just a few of the Queen’s dresses from the 1970’s. The fringed jacket on the right is in the style of the First Nations was gifted to her when she visited Yellow Knife in Canada. She wore it over an evening dress to a reception.

So many of the outfits on display feel very familiar and the exhibition seems extremely intimate despite being absolutely packed with visitors.

On the right is the peach lace dress worn by The Queen for the skit she performed with Daniel Craig. Her stunt double worn the bigger version.

So an absolutely breath taking exhibition and well worth the £22 entry price. It has just been extended so do try and go along, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view recent history so close up.

Thank you for reading

Samantha