10 Highlights of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection
The most famous and fascinating pieces in our collection
Curator examines Yeoman Warder uniforms in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection storeHistoric Royal Palaces
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is a treasure trove of clothing and archives of dress worn at the royal court and by members of the royal family. Here are some of the highlights.
Baby coat worn by Queen Elizabeth II (c.1927)Historic Royal Palaces
Queen Elizabeth II's baby coat
This is a rare example of an item of baby clothing worn by Princess Elizabeth who later became Queen Elizabeth II. This pink silk coat was worn in 1927 when the Princess was a baby.
Evening gown, back, worn by Diana, Princess of Wales (1985) by Victor EdelsteinHistoric Royal Palaces
Diana, Princess of Wales' evening gown
Best known as the 'Travolta' dress, this midnight blue silk velvet dress, designed by British fashion designer Victor Edelstein was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985 to the White House, Washington, D.C.
18th century court suit (c. 1780)Historic Royal Palaces
18th century silver court suit
This ensemble is a good example of the highly embellished and colourful clothes worn by men to the royal court in the 18th century. The suit is made of hand-woven silk, skilfully brocaded - a weaving technique that produces a cloth with a raised design - using silver.
Dress, jacket and widow's cap worn by Queen Victoria (1899-1900)Historic Royal Palaces
Queen Victoria’s mourning clothes
Queen Victoria wore mourning clothes from the time of her husband, Prince Albert's, death in 1861 until her own in 1901. Her mourning clothes were often entirely black and exquisitely made with the finest trimmings.
William III's vest and stockings are prepared for display by conservatorsHistoric Royal Palaces
William III's Red Tunic and Stockings, c. 1690
This luxurious silk knitted vest and pair of silk knitted stockings are among the oldest surviving clothes of a British monarch. Incorporated into the narrow cuff at the top of each stocking is the initial 'W' and on each side of the ankle is a decoration of a simple flower and crown.
Coatee, part of Court Dress suit for Japanese official (1900-40) by D UyemuraHistoric Royal Palaces
Japanese Diplomatic Court Suit
This coatee by Densuke Uyemura is part of a court dress uniform for a Japanese diplomat. The embroidery features the paulownia flower that symbolise Japanese government.
Dress ensemble worn by Vivienne Westwood at Investiture (2005-6) by Vivienne WestwoodHistoric Royal Palaces
Vivienne Westwood’s Investiture dress
Fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood wore this when she was awarded her damehood at Buckingham Palace.
Hanoverian royal household livery (1817)Historic Royal Palaces
Hanoverian Livery Uniform
This 19th century livery uniform coat from the Royal Household of the Kingdon of Hanover is a rare survivor of the garments of the working staff of households.
Court dress and train (1928) by RevilleHistoric Royal Palaces
1920s court presentation gown
This ivory and black silk gown by Reville, was worn by Lady Annie Holcroft in 1928 for her court presentation at Buckingham Palace. Reville was one of London's most prominent dress makers at that time, specialising in dresses for court.
Court uniform (1923) by Henry Poole & CoHistoric Royal Palaces
British Ambassador's Court Uniform
Sir Eric Phipps wore this court suit by Henry Poole & Co as British ambassador to Germany in 1933 and to France in 1937. The width of the gold embroidery shows his senior position. The embroidery on the sleeve seams was exclusive to ambassadors.
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