The wedding dresses of the last five Queens of England are now on display at Kensington Palace, marking the first time the dresses have been exhibited together in one place. The historic show, part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, also includes Queen Elizabeth II’s Norman Hartnell ivory satin gown, which has not been seen in public for three decades.
The stunning frock, worn for the Queen’s 1947 royal wedding, was inspired by a Botticelli painting and embroidered with over 10,000 American pearls. “These are the types of dress people want to see when they come here,” said a Kensington Palace spokesperson. “People have memories of them and we thought it would be nice to get them together for the Jubilee.”
The late Queen Mother’s ivory chiffon straight line dress – worn during her 1923 wedding to the future King George VI – is also on show along with the antique lace veil, loaned to her by her mother-in-law, Queen Mary.
Queen Victoria’s more flamboyant cream silk frock from her 1840 marriage to Prince Albert is exhibited alongside an ivory silk court dress worn by Queen Alexandra in 1863. Completing the historic set is Queen Mary’s elaborate silk and satin gown, brocaded in silver metal, which she wore in 1893.
The permanent collection at Kensington Palace includes royal wares from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as a section dedicated to the late Princess of Wales, featuring the designs of Catherine Walker. However, Diana’s wedding dress remains on view at her childhood home, Althorp.
The wedding gown collection will be on display until April 27, 2003.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
