Dressing the Queen

The hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day.

From tours and walkabouts to the dazzling spectacle of a wedding or Coronation, the clothes worn by royal women have always been a fascination. Starting with Queen Victoria and moving to the modern Elizabethan age, DRESSING THE QUEEN shows the incredible craftmanship and painstaking effort that go into the making of what is known as the ‘Royal Wardrobe’, from handmade boots to Crown Jewels; country tweeds to delicate stockings.

Dress historian Kate Strasdin reveals a tribe of previously unsung women and men. Some may be more renowned – such as designer Norman Hartnell or suitcase-maker Louis Vuitton – but most are ordinary, highly talented working people from across the British Isles. From rural straw plaiters to wartime coat-makers and refugee glovers, their skilled labour is a vital part of our country’s history.

As we see modern princesses sally forth in fantastically arranged ensembles, we can think again of the vanishing trades that once employed millions – and still remain integral to royal life today.