3 days ago
The real reason Queen Elizabeth's Diamond jubilee outfit took two years to make - and the clever rain-proof detail it came with
In June 2012, one of the most dazzling highlights of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations unfolded on the River Thames.
A spectacular river pageant set a world record, with 1,000 vessels sailing from Battersea to Tower Bridge - marking one of the largest flotillas ever assembled in London.
Despite the rain, tens of thousands of well-wishers lined the banks of the Thames to witness the grand maritime procession.
A vibrant display of rowboats, working boats and pleasure vessels of every shape and size, all adorned in their finest regalia, brought the river to life.
As always, Queen Elizabeth II made a striking sartorial statement.
Her outfit for the occasion - almost two years in the making - was a collaborative masterpiece led by her senior dresser, Angela Kelly, and her team.
Ms Kelly found inspiration in the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I's wardrobe and tailored the ensemble to suit both the historic event and the royal barge's vibrant setting.
In her book Dressing the Queen, Ms Kelly shares: 'I thought about the sort of costumes that Queen Elizabeth I used to wear, which were often richly jewelled on a white background.
'White was also important because I knew that on board the barge the Queen would be surrounded by strong reds on the carpets, upholstery and canopy.'
For this unique occasion, Elizabeth wore a white bouclé dress with a matching coat, intricately embroidered in silver, gold and ivory spots, and adorned with Swarovski crystals to reflect the water.
The coat was finished with a silk organza frilled trim, which also served a practical purpose in the inclement weather.
Her coordinating hat featured a swept-up brim and was crafted from the same fabric as the coat. It was further embellished with hand-dyed feathers - coloured at Buckingham Palace by a member of Ms Kelly's team - and more silk organza and crystals, giving it a distinctive and regal flair.
Unfazed by the dreary weather, Elizabeth appeared in high spirits. Kelly reflects: 'We never imagined that the weather would turn out so badly, but I am glad that we gave the Queen some protection from the wind and rain with the frill that ran round the coat's neckline and down its front, and the matching white cashmere pashmina.'
The overall ensemble evoked the image of Britannia, a fitting tribute to the sovereign of a great maritime nation.
Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, complemented the Queen in an elegant cream outfit designed by Anna Valentine, paired with a hat by Philip Treacy.
In contrast, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stood out in a vivid red Alexander McQueen dress - originally from the brand's pre-Fall 2011 collection.
The dress was modified with sleeves and a longer hemline to suit royal protocol. She completed her look with a floral hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co.
The Royal Family made their journey aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, a barge lavishly decorated with gilded carvings and adorned with 10,000 fresh flowers.
As the flotilla neared Tower Bridge, the rain intensified, yet the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir continued their programme of patriotic music to the very end.
That memorable day also marked the public launch of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, a charitable initiative focused on supporting good causes across the UK and the Commonwealth, with a particular focus on young people.
