The Queen's most iconic outfits
It’s already been the Queen’s actual birthday, but her ‘official’ birthday celebration is coming up this weekend. With 900 horses, and performers including Jess Glynne and Katherine Jenkins, it will be a birthday celebration to remember. To mark the occasion, we’ve pulled together a lookback on the Queen’s most iconic outfits from her life.
Queen Elizabeth dancing with President Ford
Wedding dress
Royal wedding dresses are always a sight to behold, and Princess Elizabeth’s was no different. Designed by Norman Hartnell, the gown was embroidered with white pearls, silver thread and crystals. For war time austerity, this gown was incredibly lavish, distracting the population from the everyday difficulties of rationing and lifestyle compromise. The 13 foot train was a pre-curser to Diana’s offerings some 30 years later.
The Coronation
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth was crowned. She wore another Norman Hartnell number, complete with royal coronation accessories. The gown took 8 months to create; with intricate hand-stitched embroidery, it was a real labour of love, but worth it when the coronation was broadcast on live TV. It included subtle references to the Commonwealth with the Scottish thistle, the Australian wattle flower and the Canadian maple leaf all included in the embroidery.
A dance with President Ford
One of the most eye-catching photographs of the queen is her dancing with President Ford in 1976. Wearing a bright yellow dress, one of her favourite colours, adorned with a blue sash, the Queen looks animated and joyous. The floaty sleeves of the dress add a touch of drama and youthfulness, and the dress itself was once again covered in ornate embroidery, something the Queen used to wear in abundance.
The wedding of William and Kate
This wedding has be touted as the re-birth of the popularity of the royals. Bringing together all generations of the royal family, and so bringing together the United Kingdom; regardless of ones opinions, it was an incredible day. On such a day, Queen Elizabeth reach for one of her favourite colours: yellow. She wore a pastel yellow coast dress and matching hat; perfect for a summer wedding and a rather public family-affair.