Royal fans are in for a treat this summer when Historic Royal Palaces can open their doors to the visiting public. 

On 3 June 2021 until 2 January 2022 visitors will be able to explore the world of royal couturiers in the new exhibition Royal Style in the Making.

An exciting exhibit will be the full size working pattern (toile) of the 1937 coronation gown of Queen Elizabeth, consort to King George VI which was created by Madame Handley-Seymour, who had also designed her 1923 wedding gown.  Demonstrating all the soft-power a designer can muster, it was adorned in gold national emblems to display continuity of the Commonwealth after the upheaval of the 1936 abdication crisis. 

Furthermore, with kind permission of the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex, we will be able to take a closer look at the wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana’s marriage in July 1981 produced Princes William and Harry, however, she was divorced at the time of her death in 1997. This is the first time in 25 years that it has been on display at Kensington Palace, her former home. This standout piece will surely entice plenty of visitors who will delight once again in being in touching distance of something so personal to Diana.

Fashion fans are promised some never before seen items from the royal archives – I can’t wait!

There will be a large emphasis on Diana, Princess of Wales this summer as it is the 40th anniversary of her marriage to the Prince of Wales in St Paul’s Cathedral. It is also the year that Diana would have turned sixty. To commemorate this a statue will be unveiled by Princes William and Harry in the grounds of Kensington Palace. There will also be an English Heritage blue plaque (readers of my blog will know my interest in them) placed on her former home at Coleherne Court, London, where she lived prior to her engagement to Prince Charles.