A new publication offering an in-depth dive into Elizabeth II’s wardrobe will be released on 26th March, marking the beginning of celebrations for the centenary of her birth. Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style, published by Royal Collection Trust, is set to give readers and fashion watchers an unprecedented look inside the late Monarch’s fashion archive.
The book coincides with the Trust’s new exhibition ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style’, which is set to be the largest exhibition of the late Queen’s clothing ever staged, and will be located at The King’s Gallery from 10th April 2026.
Written by Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art, the publication draws on extensive new research and is illustrated with more than 400 images, including previously unseen sketches, fabric swatches and historic photographs. It examines hundreds of garments from an archive of around 4,000 pieces – the largest surviving dress collection of any female British Sovereign or consort – and charts the evolution of the Queen’s style from childhood to her final years.
The book traces Princess Elizabeth’s early relationship with fashion, from her first couture commissions to the emergence of a distinctive personal style during the post-war rise of London couture. Among the highlights are the dress worn at her father’s Coronation in 1937, her first long formal gown as heir, and day dresses inspired by Dior’s New Look in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Later chapters will examine the precision and symbolism behind ceremonial clothing, military uniforms and the brightly coloured daywear that became her signature. The book is also explores how an recognisable formula, consisting of dress, coat, hat and pearls, was shaped in part by the influence of Queen Mary.
Readers will also get an more intimate portrait of Elizabeth with several sections devoted to her off-duty wardrobe, including riding jackets and tweed suits. The publication also delves into the diplomatic considerations behind evening-wear and outfits for foreign tours, revealing how the Queen worked closely with leading British designers to create ensembles that carried cultural meaning. A key staple of the late Queen’s wardrobe – accessories – will also be explored.
Caroline de Guitaut. (Royal Collection Trust)
A foreword by Dame Anna Wintour and interviews with designers Christopher Kane, Erdem Moralioglu and Richard Quinn highlighting the late Queen’s enduring influence on contemporary fashion, while an essay by Professor Amy de la Haye places the archive within the wider story of the British fashion industry.
You can purchase a copy of Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style here.
