The incredible inspiration behind Queen Elizabeth's dazzling Diamond Jubilee concert outfit revealed by her former dresser
As pop legends took the stage to mark her remarkable 60-year reign, the palace was illuminated with stunning projections.
The concert, which honoured each decade of the Queen's reign through music, featured a star-studded lineup, including Sir Cliff Richard, Elton John, Shirley Bassey and Kylie Minogue.
Arriving partway through the event to cheers from the crowd, Elizabeth made a striking appearance in a gold lamé cocktail dress, designed by her long-time senior dresser, Angela Kelly.
The look was inspired by the gilded figure of Victory that sits atop the Queen Victoria Memorial just outside Buckingham Palace.
As Kelly explains in her book Dressing the Queen: 'The fact that the Queen was appearing on stage at a concert suggested a theatrical mood.
'For those of us working in Buckingham Palace the Queen Victoria Memorial is a familiar friend and it was the golden figure on top of the monument that gave me the idea for the colour of the Queen's dress.'
The iconic monument was reimagined as a circular stage, setting the scene for a night of music that spanned Elizabeth's six-decade reign.
Her dress - a period piece in itself - was crafted from fabric originally purchased overseas in 1961.
It was richly trimmed with antique gold lace and embellished with Swarovski crystals to catch the light under the stage spotlights.
In place of traditional jewellery, which was deemed too formal for the concert setting, an elaborate embroidered appliqué provided decorative flourish.
Originally designed to drape down the left side of the gown, it was later moved to the right - at Elizabeth's request.
Kelly recounts: 'At an earlier stage we had put it on the opposite shoulder; it was the Queen's decision to change it around, and absolutely right that we did.'
The evening culminated in a dramatic moment when Her Late Majesty lit the final beacon on The Mall by plunging the Diamond Jubilee crystal into a ceremonial tube - triggering a breathtaking fireworks display that lit up the London skyline
While Prince Philip was hospitalised with a bladder infection, other members of the Royal Family - including Prince William, Catherine and Prince Harry - joined in the lively performances, singing along and waving Union flags in rhythm with the music.
Queen Elizabeth appeared visibly moved as Prince Charles delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech honouring his mother, joking that if the crowd cheered loudly enough, the Duke of Edinburgh might be able to hear it from his hospital bed.
The evening culminated in a dramatic moment when Her Late Majesty lit the final beacon on The Mall by plunging the Diamond Jubilee crystal into a ceremonial tube - triggering a breathtaking fireworks display that lit up the London skyline.
The next day, the Royal Family attended a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral, where the Queen addressed her family and the nation through a speech she had recorded in advance from her private chambers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
Premier League club in row with council over proposed housing near stadium
Premier League newcomers Sunderland have opposed plans to build houses near their Stadium of Light ground, saying development could have 'catastrophic consequences'. Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said the club will make formal objections to the city council's plans to allow for homes to be built in what had been a buffer zone around the stadium. Sunderland City Council has proposed that 600 homes, including maisonettes, townhouses and family homes, should be built south of the stadium, as part of a wider redevelopment of the city centre. Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia has insisted that the stadium was a 'key asset for the city' and the redevelopment plans would enhance fans' experience. Former chairman Sir Bob Murray, who oversaw the move from Roker Park to the 49,000-seat ground in 1997, called the change a 'disgrace'. He said the local authority had previously agreed protections which would prevent development near the stadium, thus allowing the club to increase capacity if needed, but that the city council had 'torn them up'. Sir Bob said having houses up close to the Stadium of Light risked hemming it in, which was the cause of the move from Roker Park. Mr Louis-Dreyfus has now spoken out against the plans as well. He said: 'As the custodian of Sunderland AFC, it is my duty to safeguard the future of our club. 'This includes the Stadium of Light – the beating heart of our city. 'Unfortunately, Sunderland City Council has recently taken steps relating to the Sheepfolds development that could have catastrophic operational consequences on our club and, by extension, our community. 'We are under no illusion that the city needs a more appropriate housing provision and support those endeavours fully. 'However, later this week we will be submitting a formal objection against the proposals relating to the Sheepfolds and I encourage all city stakeholders to come together and join us in protecting the future of our football club and the City of Sunderland. 'Together, we have limitless potential, but it will only be realised through delivering on a shared purpose and vision.' There were fears that having homes close to the stadium could impact its ability to host major concerts as well as block any future expansion plans. The Stadium of Light has hosted England games and was built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery. In response to the objections, council chief Mr Melia said: 'We are very much invested in the future of the Stadium of Light and recognise it as a key asset for the city. 'It is our view that the proposals set out for the Sheepfolds neighbourhoods will improve operations and fan experience in terms of match days and other events and we remain committed to working with SAFC in relation to their plans for the expansion of the Stadium of Light – we have held many discussions with Mr Louis-Dreyfus and his team to this effect. 'This consultation process provides a real opportunity for the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts with us as the local planning authority and we will consider all views and comments prior to determination of the application.'
The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
Council seeks High Court ban on asylum seekers being housed at protest-hit Epping hotel
Epping Forest District Council has applied for an interim High Court injunction in a bid to stop asylum seekers being housed at the Bell Hotel in the town. Documents were lodged with the High Court in London on Tuesday, the council said in a statement. It comes after a series of protests in recent weeks outside the hotel, after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council, said: 'The current situation cannot go on. If the Bell Hotel was a nightclub we could have closed it down long ago. 'So far as the council is aware, there is no criminal record checking of individuals who might only have been in the country a matter of days before being housed at the hotel. 'There are five schools and a residential care home within the vicinity of the hotel. The use by the Home Office of the premises for asylum seekers poses a clear risk of further escalating community tensions already at a high, and the risk of irreparable harm to the local community. 'This will only increase with the start of the new school year. We are frustrated that the Home Office continues not to listen. 'In our view placing asylum seekers in the Bell Hotel is a clear breach of planning permission. It is not in use as a hotel, and it doesn't function as a hotel. 'The establishment of a centre to accommodate asylum seekers in this particular location, in close proximity to five schools, a residential care home, and the shops and amenities of the market town of Epping is not appropriate in planning terms.'
The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
Drawing of pet squirrel by King George III's would-be assassin to go on display
An illustration of a pet squirrel by the would-be assassin of King George III is to go on display for the first time at the world's oldest psychiatric hospital. The early 19th century drawing, which was accompanied by an ode about the pet, was created by James Hadfield and will be exhibited at Bethlem Museum Of The Mind in London. Hadfield attempted to shoot King George III at London's Drury Lane Theatre but missed and was arrested on the spot. Epitaph, Of My Poor Jack, Squirrel, is one of many pet epitaphs by Hadfield, who was a patient at Bethlem. He suffered delusions about the end of the world and became convinced he must sacrifice himself to save mankind. Parliament rushed through an act to ensure Hadfield was treated as a 'criminal lunatic' and consigned to Bethlem. Hadfield spent the remaining 41 years of his life in a cell at the hospital, where he was allowed pets and attracted many visitors, who he sold his epitaphs to. The piece is one of three versions the museum holds, with this version, which says Jack died in an accidental fall after being startled by a cat, having never been on display before. Following the attempted assassination in 1800, Hadfield's lawyer successfully argued that he was a 'religious maniac' who was 'incurably insane' and not responsible for his actions. The drawing will be displayed as part of an exhibition, Between Sleeping And Waking: Hospital Dreams And Visions. Also on show will be artwork by Boris Johnson's mother Charlotte Johnson Wahl, and the dream diaries of psychiatrist Dr Edward Hare. Colin Gale, director of Bethlem Museum Of The Mind, said: 'Between Sleeping And Waking has opened up exciting perspectives on artworks, many of which have been in storage for years. 'It is striking that an entire spectrum of dreams identified by sleep researchers is reflected within our museum's collections.' Between Sleeping And Waking: Hospital Dreams And Visions will run from August 14 to November 22 at the museum, and entry is free.
