They are some of the most fashionable people in the world; what they wear not only sets trends but gives brands an instant global platform. However, it may surprise you that many members of the Royal Family have favoured a thrifter approach – a fact which features in Historic Royal Palace’s new exhibition, Dress Codes.
Opening to the public at Kensington Palace on 13 March, the collection offers a rare glimpse into outfits worn by the likes of Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales, while placing a sharp focus on the need to follow different rules, or ‘codes’, in royal life – from navigating grief to carrying out engagements. One of the stars of the exhibition is the two matching Liberty print floral cotton dresses, worn in 1936 by a young Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.
Despite their high-ranking positions as daughters of the soon-to-be King George VI, there is evident wear on each dress with visible areas of repair.
It’s a theme which has carried down the generations as The Princess of Wales recently revealed that she has “archived” Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ clothes. Speaking during her visit to the Corgi factory in Swansea, Kate added: “It’s so lovely to reuse the things that are well made.”
The new exhibition is a celebration of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and features several centuries of different dress codes and uniforms, including a traditional debutante’s presentation dress which has been strikingly contrasted with the polka dot gown Dame Vivienne Westwood wore in 2006 to collect her Damehood.
Also on display are some rare or never before seen items such as a black bodice worn by Queen Victoria in her early days of mourning and three outfits worn by the Duke of Windsor (later King Edward VIII) who is remembered for his influence on male fashion.
Perhaps the crowing glory of the exhibition is the final room which showcases the work of 25 participants aged 14-17 from three London youth groups. Working as Young Producers on the exhibition, the group were given the opportunity to help develop the latest installment and reveal the way they responded to the items on display.
Whether it was through fashion design, visual storytelling or music, some of the youngsters offered a modern take on the likes of the tuxedo-style emerald dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales or the half-mourning gown worn by Queen Alexandra, while bringing their own cultural backgrounds into their designs.
An inspiring and refreshing approach to the way treasures from the past are exhibited today, Dress Codes at Kensington Palace is a must see.
Dress Codes opens to the public on 13 March 2025 and will run until 30 November. It is included in palace admission.
