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The symbol of The Queen’s reign brought to life again for her Jubilee

It’s one of the most potent symbols of the record breaking reign of Elizabeth II and, as her Platinum Jubilee year continues, it’s become a focal point for reflections on her rule. The Coronation dress has come to life again in different ways to mark this major milestone.

At the Tower of London, the colours and embroideries of the gown are at the heart of a new garden planted for the Jubilee. Nestled amidst the prettiness of Superbloom, The Queen’s Garden features flowers in the shades chosen for the famous dress by Norman Hartnell.

The garden representing the swirling design of The Queen’s Coronation gown comes to life at the Tower of London © HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

The creation, in ivory and gold, was decorated with the floral symbols of the four countries of the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth realms. Their subtle shades are now growing in the sun at the Tower. At its centre are twelve stained glass creations representing those symbols as well.

The symbols of the four countries of the United Kingdom represented in stained glass at Superbloom at the Tower of London © HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

At Windsor Castle, the Coronation Dress itself is on show. The gown and The Queen’s Robe of Estate now dominate St. George’s Hall at the heart of the royal residence. Visitors can walk along the length of the robe to take in all the details of the goldwork embroidery design which features wheat ears and olive branches around the cipher. It took 12 embroideresses over 3,500 hours to complete the work.

Royal Collection Trust / All Rights Reserved.

The dress itself has been described as the most important of The Queen’s reign. It was designed by Norman Hartnell in consultation with The Queen who rejected seven ideas before accepting a final version which included more colour than the couturier had originally planned. Her Majesty also insisted that emblems of the seven independent states of which she was Monarch were also added to the dress. The embellishments were worked in gold, silver and pastel threads while crystals, sequins and seed pearls were also used to shape the design.

Royal Collection Trust / All Rights Reserved.

The Windsor Castle exhibition also features the jewellery worn by The Queen at her Coronation.

Seven decades on, as the world marks the unique celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, the iconic dress which became the image of a new reign that reshaped modern monarchy is at the heart of events focused on the life and rule of Elizabeth II.

Admission is included in a ticket for the castle while Superbloom tickets can be booked separately from entrance to the Tower of London.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.