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British RoyalsFashionQueen Elizabeth II

Style Moments of a Reign: The Queen at State Opening

The State Opening of Parliament is a standard fixture on The Queen’s calendar; she has attending the event every year during her historic 70 year reign, aside from 1959, 1963, and 2022. Some of her most iconic style moments have come from the State Opening of Parliament. 

1967 State Opening of Parliament

Norman Hartnell was one of The Queen’s favourite designers until his death in the late 1970s. At the 1967 State Opening, she wore a Hartnell gown made of Peau de Soie taffeta that features duchess satin trimmings and organza sleeves, as well as beading details. While this gown is stunning on its own, it holds a place in modern royal history as well as Princess Beatrice wore the dress for her 2020 wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The gown was refitted by Her Majesty’s personal dresser, Angela Kelly. 

2017 State Opening of Parliament

In 2017, The Queen made a potentially political statement with her ensemble at the State Opening. In a blue and yellow floral print dress and a royal blue coat dress designed by Kelly, Her Majesty’s hat made an accidental statement. The hat, a coordinating royal blue, had yellow flower details on the crown, and some commentators suggested that The Queen was making her thoughts on Brexit known as the colours are those of the EU flag. However, in her book, The Other Side of The Coin, Kelly confirmed that it was simply a coincidence. 

2021 State Opening of Parliament

In May 2021, The Queen chose not to wear her ceremonial robes to the State Opening. She chose to wear a lilac coat dress and matching hat, to mark her mourning, as Prince Philip had only passed away a month prior. Lilac is a traditional colour of mourning. Due to the global health crisis, the event was a scaled down version to what is normally held. She was escorted by The Prince of Wales. 

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Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com