King Charles chuckles as he visits 'quirky' Queen Elizabeth II fashion exhibition to mark late monarch's 100th birthday

Ben McCaffrey
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:33:56 +0000

The King and Queen visited The King's Gallery in London this evening to explore a remarkable tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II's fashion legacy.

The exhibition, called Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, represents the most extensive showcase of Her late Majesty's fashion ever assembled.

The exhibition takes royal fans through 96 years of the late Queen's fashion history, and features more than 300 items.

With many of the fashion pieces never being publicly displayed before, the collection offers an unprecedented glimpse into the wardrobe of Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

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The King sported a blue pinstripe suit for the event, while his wife matched with a blue dress and black heels.

Some of the Queen's former ladies-in-waiting, such as Dame Annabelle Whitehead and Lady Susan Hussey, were present at the event and greeted King Charles, providing a rather poignant moment.

The King and Queen were also joined by Princess Margaret's daughter and the monarch's cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto.

Their Majesties were guided through the exhibition by Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King's Works of Art, who curated the impressive presentation.

Among the treasured garments on display are Queen Elizabeth II's christening robe, her bridesmaid dresses, the iconic wedding dress, and the magnificent coronation gown.

Contemporary designers have contributed to this celebration of royal fashion, with Erdem Moralioglu presenting an ensemble from a previous collection that drew inspiration from the late Queen herself.

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During the tour, the King was left amused by some of the "quirky" outfits on display, including Californian-based fashion designer Juli Lynne Charlot’s "poodle skirt", part of an animals collection which the late Queen wore to a square-dancing party in Ottawa during a 1951 tour.

Ms de Guitaut said: "There are some quirky things that probably stick out a little because they’re unusual and that tends to draw attention, I think.

"Both their majesties were equally delighted to see the beautiful couture pieces from right throughout the Queen’s life."

The King also saw his mother's traditional headscarves, tweed suits and luxury dresses worn to iconic state occasions.

The late Queen's stunt double dress, which was worn when she famously appeared to skydive out of a helicopter with James Bond actor Daniel Craig at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

GB News was invited to a special press viewing of the exhibition last week, where it was evident that Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe was driven by a sense of professional duty and practical necessity.

Speaking to the People's Channel, Ms de Guitaut said at the time: "For Queen Elizabeth II, she spent a lot of time really carefully considering how her clothing could help her fulfil her role.

"The combination of that with being such a widely travelled sovereign, travelling at the request of the Government overseas, and these extraordinary tours that she would go on. I mean, the first Commonwealth tour was seven months long."

Their Majesties also engaged with students from The King's Foundation, specifically those enrolled in the Chanel and le19M Metiers d'Art programmes specialising in embroidery, millinery and atelier craftsmanship.

The talented young artisans have drawn upon the Royal Collection throughout the year, using the exhibition as inspiration for their graduation portfolios.