
Childhood couture to diplomatic glamour: Inside late Queen Elizabeth II's fashion archive
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the exhibition will open at the King's Gallery in spring 2026 and if you're even a little bit interested in royal fashion, this is one not to miss.
What makes this one stand out? For starters, it's being billed as the biggest and most detailed display of the late Queen's wardrobe ever seen, with more than 200 pieces pulled from her personal fashion archive. We're talking everything from tiaras and evening gowns to her signature headscarves and sensible shoes.
There's a real journey here, from one of the earliest surviving pieces in her childhood wardrobe (a delicate silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress she wore at age eight in 1934) to the now-iconic Norman Hartnell wedding gown she wore in 1947. These outfits don't just mark royal milestones, they reflect nearly a century of British fashion history through the eyes of a monarch who understood the power of clothing.
Alongside the statement looks, like coronation robes and glittering State Banquet gowns, visitors will also get a peek at the Queen's more personal, off-duty side.
Think tailored riding jackets, tartan skirts, and the silk scarves she loved to tie around her head while walking the dogs or heading to Balmoral.
Image credits: X
What's particularly exciting is that many of these pieces have never been displayed before. And this time, it's not just the fashion that's on show. For the first time, we'll also get to see original sketches, fabric swatches, and handwritten letters by the Queen herself, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how her wardrobe came together, often with her direct input.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Designers like Richard Quinn and Erdem have already acknowledged her influence in their collections in recent years. And with this rare glimpse into her fashion archive, her legacy is sure to inspire a whole new generation of British design.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run from spring to autumn 2026. While the exact opening date is still under wraps, tickets go on sale this November. There'll also be an accompanying book, curated by Caroline de Guitaut, with essays from designers and commentators who've studied her style in depth.
For royal watchers, fashion lovers, and anyone curious about how style can tell a story, this exhibition promises to be a landmark moment.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
38 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
What to watch on Netflix? From Wednesday Season 2 to Hostage, top ten shows to stream in August
August on streaming giant Netflix is shaping up to be an exciting month. With highly anticipated shows like Wednesday Season 2 on the cards, fans are in for a treat. The gothic coming-of-age series is expected to bring back its quirky charm and dark humor. That's not it, as joining the lineup is Hostage, a gripping British crime drama poised to hook mystery lovers, as per the official website. Animation fans can also look forward to a fresh series from the creator of BoJack Horseman, adding some offbeat flair. With a blend of suspense, comedy, and more, August is shaping up to be a big month for subscribers. With highly anticipated shows like Wednesday Season 2 on the cards, fans are in for a treat.(Pexels) What to watch on Netflix in August 2025? Wednesday Season 2 (Volume 1) Wednesday returns to Netflix with more mayhem and macabre charm. Jenna Ortega reprises her breakout role as the sharp-witted outcast navigating life at Nevermore Academy. Season 2 of the show will be released in two parts. Volume 1 drops August 6 with four episodes, followed by the final four on September 3. Stolen: Heist of the Century From the makers of The Tinder Swindler, Stolen: Heist of the Century revisits Antwerp's jaw-dropping 2003 diamond robbery. The docuseries unpacks how thieves pulled off a $500 million vault heist, right under the nose of the so-called Diamond Squad. This series releases online on August 8. In the Mud Landing August 14, In the Mud is a spin-off of the hit series El Marginal. Set in a ruthless Argentinian prison, it follows five women bound by tragedy, navigating loyalty, violence, and survival in a system built to break them. Miss Governor Season 1, Part 2 Returning August 14, Miss Governor wraps up its 16-episode season with high-stakes drama. Terri J Vaughn leads as Antoinette, Mississippi's first Black lieutenant governor, facing power plays and political storms in a system not built for her. Hostage Releasing on August 21, Hostage sees Suranne Jones step into a tense political thriller as the British PM's husband is abducted. With the French president pulled into the chaos, diplomacy, blackmail, and fear collide. Julie Delpy and Corey Mylchreest co-star in this gripping limited series. Long Story Short Long Story Short is an animated sitcom from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg. It follows the Schwooper siblings across childhood and adulthood, blending sharp wit with emotional storytelling. With a stellar voice cast and high expectations, this family saga streams on Netflix from August 22. My Life With the Walter Boys: Season 2 My Life with the Walter Boys returns August 28 with a bigger, bolder second season. Jackie's story picks up in Silver Falls, promising deeper drama, expanded arcs, and grander moments. Two Graves A tense Spanish thriller, Two Graves, unearths the mystery of two missing teens in a sleepy coastal town. With revenge on her mind, one determined grandmother begins her own search to seek answers. The show will air from August 29. Love Life (Seasons 1-2) After vanishing from HBO Max, Love Life is finally getting a second shot, this time on Netflix. The romantic anthology, starring Anna Kendrick and William Jackson Harper, traces love's messy path in New York, one relationship at a time. It will be released on August 5. Quantum Leap (Seasons 1-2) Quantum Leap may have ended early on NBC, but it is leaping onto Netflix on August 14. With Raymond Lee at the helm, the reboot happens to be high on nostalgic sci-fi with a fresh voice and emotional depth worth rediscovering. With a mix of fan favorites and fresh finds, August is indeed a binge-worthy month. Expect twists, heart, and high-stakes drama as Netflix's top 10 heats up. FAQs: 1. What are the top 10 things to watch on Netflix in August? Netflix's August highlights include Wednesday S2, Love Life, Quantum Leap, Two Graves, and more. 2. What's the best watch on Netflix at the moment? Happy Gilmore 2 is one of the trending movies on Netflix in the US. 3. What should I not miss on Netflix? One should not miss shows like Squid Game, Stranger Things, Baby Reindeer, The Sandman and Prison Break on Netflix.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Prince Harry's ‘desperate' attempt at reconciliation: Offers to share his official schedule
Image credits: Getty Images The news that Prince Harry wants to reconcile with his family, at least his father, is not new. The Duke of Sussex even told the BBC that he "would love a reconciliation" with the Royal Family. However, his most recent olive branch has many confused and questioning King Charles' response. According to the UK's Daily Mail, Prince Harry quietly extended a hand forward to the royals by offering to share his official schedule of engagements. As per the outlet, this would help ease tensions between him and his father, King Charles III, who is known to be battling an undisclosed form of cancer. The sharing of the schedule will allow more transparency and help avoid conflicts between the engagements of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the British royal family. Additionally, it will also squash any rumours that the estranged pair is trying to overshadow the royal family. "Harry is now desperate," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "While this self-serving gesture is notable, it won't do much to mitigate suspicion and caution on the royal side," Fordwich claimed. "King Charles III is now more guarded than ever, indeed somewhat traumatized by a string of betrayals." Image credits: Getty Images He also noted that according to palace insiders, the king "has expressed being 'cautious and wary' regarding fearing further unsavoury leaks, (especially) private royal family gatherings being publicised yet again." Prince William's camp is still doubtful of the younger prince, he added. "He considers any reconciliation at all as a 'grave mistake.' His senior royal courtiers are understood to be just as wary and immensely protective of the future monarch. They only see [a reconciliation] as creating more bombshells, as well as instability." "The only way for Harry to ever have any chance of repairing this ghastly rift is by his actions," Fordwich insisted. "Harry would have to show discretion for many years to demonstrate any respect at all for protocol, privacy, as well as the family institution." In addition to a smooth schedule of events, Harry sharing his diary could also spark conversations about the father-son duo meeting in person again. They met briefly last in 2024 after Buckingham Palace announced the monarch's cancer diagnosis. While things might not get sunny immediately, royal experts state that the move can be a positive one in the long run. "This represents a gesture of goodwill," said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams to Fox News Digital. "The Sussexes should always respect the royal calendar, where natural care is taken to avoid clashes whenever possible. … This is a practical move that will be appreciated. It appears the Sussexes are getting some good advice. "


News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Actor's Father Was A Spy, Mother Smuggled Opium - He Became Mega Hollywood Star
Last Updated: Jackie Chan's father was a Chinese spy, his mother smuggled opium. The actor's real-life family history is more thrilling than any of his blockbuster films. Before Jackie Chan became one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood, his life story was already more dramatic than any of his blockbuster films. Born as Chan Kong-sang in Hong Kong in 1954, Jackie grew up unaware of his parents' secret pasts. Jackie Chan's father, Charles Chan, led an extraordinary life. Before fleeing to Hong Kong, Charles had worked as a spy for the Chinese Nationalist government (Kuomintang) during the Chinese Civil War. He was reportedly involved in intelligence work and counter-espionage during a time when China was politically volatile. His job required him to go undercover, move across cities with fake identities, and even engage in life-threatening missions. When the Communists came to power, Charles fled to Hong Kong, where he later worked as a cook for the French embassy. Jackie's mother, Lee-Lee Chan, had an equally riveting and risky past. She was reportedly involved in the opium trade during war-torn times in China. According to British author and journalist James Palmer, who wrote extensively on Jackie Chan's family history, Lee-Lee smuggled opium and even worked as a blackjack dealer and a stage performer to survive. She too eventually fled to Hong Kong after a difficult period marked by poverty and loss. The couple met in Hong Kong, both trying to start over, and married while working for foreign diplomats. Jackie was born during this chapter of their lives. For many years, he had no idea about their dangerous and complex histories, a secret that only surfaced later in his life when he was already famous. Jackie Chan: From Humble Beginnings To Global Action Icon Jackie Chan's own journey to stardom wasn't easy either. He was enrolled in the China Drama Academy at the age of seven, where he trained rigorously in martial arts, acrobatics and performance arts. The training was intense and at times brutal, but it shaped Jackie into a highly skilled performer with a flair for physical comedy and daredevil stunts. After working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee's films like Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon, Jackie got his big break with Drunken Master (1978), a martial arts comedy that became a massive hit. Over the years, he rose to international fame with action-packed films like Police Story, Project A and Armour of God. In Hollywood, he became a household name with the Rush Hour franchise alongside Chris Tucker, as well as Shanghai Noon, The Tuxedo and The Karate Kid reboot. What sets Jackie Chan apart is his insistence on doing his own stunts, earning him a reputation as one of the most fearless action stars in film history. From a son of a spy and an opium smuggler to a beloved global icon, Jackie Chan's real-life story is a remarkable tale of resilience, reinvention and unstoppable ambition. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 21:52 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.