New Kensington Palace exhibition to feature unseen royal fashion items

Items from the then-Princess Elizabeth and Diana, Princess of Wales are on display

A treasure trove of royal fashion is set to be unleashed in a new exhibition at Kensington Palace in 2025, with the highly anticipated exhibition ‘Dress Codes opening its doors in March.

Showcasing an array of never-before-seen garments alongside iconic pieces from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, the exhibition will explore the evolution of royal clothing, the codes and traditions that have shaped it, and the impact of pushing boundaries in fashion.

From childhood dresses of Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret to the bold statements of Princess Diana and Queen Victoria, the exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the wardrobes of royal figures whose fashion choices have left a lasting mark.

Kensington Palace is set to feature a new exhibition with a range of royal fashion items

Among the standout exhibits will be two matching Liberty print floral cotton dresses, worn in 1936 by a young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. This will be the first time these garments are displayed at Kensington Palace, offering a rare insight into the early years of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

Matching outfits were a signature style for the sisters, symbolising their close bond and the era’s fashion norms. The exhibit will highlight how these dresses were carefully altered over time — Princess Elizabeth’s dress, for instance, shows signs of adjustments to accommodate her growth. This practice reflects the frugality of the 1930s and the Royal Family’s approach to making clothing last, a theme that remains relevant in today’s sustainable fashion movement.

1936,Liberty print floral cotton dress worn by Princess Margaret (Left) and Princess Elizabeth (Right) c1936. (© Historic Royal Palaces)

Members of the royal family have long adhered to strict dress codes for official engagements, using fashion as a means of communication. ‘Dress Codes’ will feature an array of garments worn by former Kensington Palace residents, demonstrating the significance of clothing in diplomacy and public life.

One of the most striking pieces on display will be a dazzling red Bruce Oldfield gown worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, during a 1987 State Visit to Saudi Arabia. The gown underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and sartorial diplomacy in royal dressing. Another notable item is a green silk velvet tuxedo-style dress by Catherine Walker, originally worn by Diana at formal family events and for a photo shoot for Vanity Fair magazine in 1997. It later auctioned in 1997 to raise funds for HIV/AIDS and cancer charities.

Green silk velvet halterneck evening dress, worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. (© Historic Royal Palaces)

Another key figure in royal fashion history, Queen Victoria, will also be featured in the exhibition. Born at Kensington Palace in 1819, Victoria set many of the fashion traditions still observed today. ‘Dress Codes’ will display a never-before-seen black mourning bodice from the early years following Prince Albert’s death, a striking representation of the Queen’s lifelong commitment to mourning dress.

Queen Victoria’s bodice. (© Historic Royal Palaces)

In a first for Historic Royal Palaces, ‘Dress Codes’ will incorporate the creative vision of young designers. In collaboration with three local youth groups, a team of 14 to 17-year-olds – known as the Young Producershave played a vital role in curating the exhibition. Over a year-long partnership with fashion and music industry professionals, these young creatives have explored storytelling, fashion design, and music composition to bring a fresh perspective to the themes of royal dress codes.

The exhibition’s final room will showcase designs created by the Young Producers, inspired by pieces from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. These contemporary interpretations demonstrate how historical fashion continues to inspire new generations, shaping the future of style and artistic expression.

Curator Matthew Storey examining an early 20th-century Japanese Court Suit coatee in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection store. (© Historic Royal Palaces)

Matthew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “It has been a pleasure to delve deep into the stores of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, to share hidden treasures alongside iconic outfits. Working with the Young Producers has shown how fascinating the histories of these garments are, from the personal to the political, and how their design can inspire creativity today. Kensington Palace has always been the home of royal fashion, from court occasions in the Georgian period, to its stylish former residents, to our exhibitions today. I’m looking forward to sharing an incredible range of stunning items with our visitors, including many that have never been seen before, and celebrating the creativity of our remarkable Young Producers.”

‘Dress Codes’ at Kensington Palace promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of royal fashion, examining the delicate balance between tradition and evolution. With its mix of never-before-seen garments, iconic historical pieces, and contemporary influences, the exhibition will shed light on the enduring power of dress codes in shaping identity, diplomacy, and self-expression. Book tickets for the new exhibition at Kensington Palace here.

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