Explore Queen Elizabeth’s Iconic Ballgowns at New Exhibit
The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will host a sweeping fashion exhibition this spring. It opens on April 10 and runs through October 18, 2026.
Scope and significance
The show brings together more than 300 wardrobe items from the late monarch. Over half of those pieces will be seen in public for the first time.
The collection passed to the Royal Collection after the Queen’s death in 2022. The display marks the centenary of her birth.
Curatorial approach
Curator Caroline de Guitaut helped select garments that reflect the Queen’s personal taste and the styles of each era. The selections emphasize her signature block colours and diplomatic use of clothing motifs.
The exhibit also includes everyday looks. Tweeds, riding clothes and a small group of private jewellery appear alongside formal wear.
Evening gowns and showstoppers
A central podium showcases glittering evening gowns from several decades. Visitors can explore Queen Elizabeth’s iconic ballgowns among these standout pieces.
The display opens with a rare gold lamé Norman Hartnell gown from the 1953–54 Commonwealth tour. Nearby is a blue dress altered for pregnancy dating from 1948–50.
Also included are the black gown worn when she greeted Marilyn Monroe in 1956 and the Hartnell dress chosen to meet President Eisenhower in 1957. A 1975 “cherry blossom” Hartnell for Japan and an Angela Kelly dress with shamrock embroidery from the 2011 Ireland visit are on view.
Historic and personal garments
The Queen’s wedding dress, Coronation gown and historical christening robe are part of the display. Childhood party dresses also appear, including a 1935 bridesmaid’s dress.
That 1935 piece was the first couture commission from Norman Hartnell, who later made her wedding and Coronation gowns.
Surprising inclusions
A dress made by Angela Kelly for the Queen’s stunt double is exhibited next to the near-identical robe the Queen wore for filming. The pairing highlights the theatrical moments within a royal wardrobe.
Hats, accessories and daywear
Accessories occupy a dedicated gallery wall. The hat display includes more than 50 pieces and spans decades of headwear.
Visitors will see turbans and berets from the 1960s and 1970s. Sculptural “flying saucer” styles from the 1980s and 1990s are also shown. Handbags, headscarves and a double-height rainbow of daywear complete the presentation.
Practical information
Filmogaz.com received an early preview of the exhibition. The King’s Gallery presentation runs from April 10 to October 18, 2026.
Tickets, opening times and visitor guidance are available from the palace’s official booking channels. The show offers a rare chance to see how a single wardrobe reflected public duty and private life.
