
Diplomacy and British Design
As Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth, careful attention is paid to ensure that The Queen’s clothes respect religious and diplomatic conventions. Certain ensembles have become subtle yet prominent tools of diplomacy, conveying complimentary messages to host nations through colour and motif. Examples on display include an ensemble worn for an audience with Pope John XXIII in 1961, a day outfit in yellow worn in Australia and dresses with beautiful embroideries representing national and regional emblems.
The Queen is the only British female monarch to wear exclusively British-designed clothes and this has become a hallmark of Her Majesty’s wardrobe. Having patronised some of the foremost names in British couture, such as Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies, The Queen has continued in her steadfast support of the British fashion industry with designers such as Angela Kelly and Stewart Parvin.
Ian Thomas (1929-93)
Evening Gown
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening gown
Sir Norman Hartnell
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Gown
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Dress
Ian Thomas (1929-93)
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Gown
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Gown
Angela Kelly
Day ensemble/Head dress
Angela Kelly
Day Dress, Coat and Hat
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Day ensemble/Headress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Day Ensemble
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Evening Dress
Ian Thomas
Dress, Jacket and Hat
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Evening gown
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Dress
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Evening Dress
Angela Kelly
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Dress
Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Day Ensemble
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Dress
Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
Evening Dress
Stewart Parvin
Day Ensemble and Hat
Angela Kelly