Royal exhibition curator explains why Queen Elizabeth II's 'extreme' umbrellas made the cut

Dorothy Reddin
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:37:34 +0000

A royal exhibition curator has explained why Queen Elizabeth's "extreme" umbrellas made the cut out of 4,000 archival items.

Caroline de Guitaut, the Surveyor of the King's Works of Art, has put together an exhibition of 200 pieces from Queen Elizabeth II's personal wardrobe to celebrate her would-be 100th birthday.

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

Among the 200 items featured in the exhibition, titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, are Her Late Majesty's signature see-through umbrellas and PVC raincoats.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

These were often custom-trimmed to match specific outfits, balancing style with the requirements of the late Queen's job.

Ms De Guitaut identified these umbrellas and raincoats as crucial components of the late Queen's public strategy.

In an exclusive discussion with GB News at the press viewing, Ms De Guitaut explained that these functional pieces were designed specifically to ensure that the Queen remained visible to the public, even in challenging weather.

The curator admitted to being struck by the industrial materials found within the royal archive, which contained over 4,000 items.

She told the People's Channel: "When I found the raincoat, I just thought, 'Wow, that's an amazing piece of clothing'. I mean, it's hardly Amies!"

This was a reference to Sir Hardy Amies, the premier British fashion designer and official Royal Warrant holder known for creating Queen Elizabeth II's tailored daywear, suits, and elegant evening gowns from 1950 until 2002.

Ms De Guitaut continued: "It’s a PVC raincoat, you know? It’s that extreme, almost high-low combination."

This "high-low" approach ensured that while the Queen was protected from rain and snow, the craftsmanship behind her beautifully designed daywear remained visible to the crowds and cameras.

LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS

Paloma Faith admits asking Catherine about weight loss led to 'uncomfortable situation'

Donald Trump keeps Queen portrait at Mar-a-Lago with 'no one else on the wall'

King Charles and Queen Camilla quietly celebrating special milestone

The late Queen's daywear was designed not to be obscured by the cameras, because so much effort had gone into the design.

This focus on visibility was part of a broader philosophy that Ms De Guitaut describes as a uniquely modern interpretation of royal dressing.

"I think for Queen Elizabeth II, she spent a lot of time really carefully considering how her clothing could help her fulfil her role," the Surveyor of the King's Works of Art explained.

Ms De Guitaut added: "I think she turned it into something so sophisticated and so democratically thought-through. I suppose we call it 'soft power' today, don't we?"

Opening to the public on April 10 and remaining accessible until October 18, the exhibition marks the centenary of the late Queen's birth.

It features these practical items alongside the grandest couture gowns, including Queen Elizabeth II's wedding dress and Coronation gown, both designed by Norman Hartnell.