The remarkable 70-year reign of the late Queen was characterized by her adherence to the motto ‘I have to be seen to be believed.’ The grand exhibition titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” opening at Buckingham Palace tomorrow, offers a glimpse into how she consistently embodied this principle through her fashion choices.

Featuring over 300 items ranging from vibrant dresses to elegant hats and accessories, including a rare pair of trousers from the former monarch, the exhibition showcases nearly half of these pieces to the public for the first time. Prior to its public opening, the Mirror had an exclusive preview of the exhibition, which coincides with the upcoming centenary of her birth later this month. The exhibition traces her transformation from a young princess to the longest-reigning monarch in British history, highlighting how fashion became a powerful means of communication for her, with practicality being a key consideration in her outfit selections.

Caroline de Guitaut, the curator of the exhibition, spent 18 months meticulously assembling the collection from the Royal Collection of Trust, where thousands of items were preserved in impeccable condition following the Queen’s passing in September 2022. Reflecting on the Queen’s style, de Guitaut noted her keen sense of what suited her best and how she strategically projected her desired image through her attire, balancing contemporary fashion trends with practicality to support her royal duties.

“Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” is set to run from April 10 to October 18 at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace, offering a captivating display of the late Queen’s iconic wardrobe and accessories. From glamorous evening gowns worn on state visits to significant diplomatic ensembles and rare pieces like the Queen’s wedding dress and the royal christening robe, the exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the late Queen’s enduring influence on fashion and style.