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Military and Ceremonial Dress

Her Majesty The Queen is Head of the Armed Forces and in 1945, as Princess Elizabeth, she became the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Forces in a full-time active role.  During Princess Elizabeth's service in the Auxiliary Territorial Service she wore standard battle dress.

For ceremonial occasions, such as The Queen's Birthday Parade, The Queen has worn full dress uniform.  Her Majesty's uniforms were designed by the equestrian tailors Bernard Weatherill, and the hats by the couture milliner Aage Thaarup.  Almost 100 years earlier, Queen Victoria had two military tunics made, one of which is included in this section.  For both Queen Victoria and Her Majesty The Queen no uniform prototype for women existed and they were derived from a riding habit.

The Queen is the Fount of Honour and all honours are awarded in Her name.  Her Majesty is also sovereign of the Orders of Chivalry including the Order of the British Empire.  Included here is The Queen's mantle of this order which was specially designed in 1952 on The Queen's Accession.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.