The Queen’s historic Coronation dress, Robe of Estate and diamond jewels have been unveiled at Windsor Castle, ready for public viewing to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
From Thursday visitors will be able to examine Sir Norman Hartnell’s intricate white duchesse satin gown which was worn by the 27-year-old Elizabeth II in 1953.
The design, which was embroided with thousands of sequins, seed pearls and crystals by Sir Norman, a British couturier, was the last of eight options offered to Queen Elizabeth.
The Coronation Robe of Estate (Aaron Choown/PA).PA Wire/PA Images – Aaron Chown
The Queen selected the final sketch – a richly embroidered dress featuring a lattice-work effect with an iconographic scheme of floral emblems in gold and silver thread and pastel-coloured silks.
But she requested an addition – that the emblems of the seven independent states of which she was monarch be incorporated, together with those of the UK’s home nations.
The six-and-a-half-metre Robe of Estate, made by royal robe-makers Ede & Ravenscroft from English purple silk velvet, is also on show in the impressive St George’s Hall, the largest room in the Berkshire castle.
It took a team of 12 seamstresses, using 18 types of gold thread, 3,500 hours to complete the Queen’s embroidered cipher and the border of wheat ears and olive branches, which symbolise prosperity and peace.
The Queen Coronation necklace, earrings and bracelet will be displayed in the Lantern Lobby.
The Queen’s Coronation necklace and earrings on display at Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Coronation (Aaron Chown/PA)PA Wire/PA Images – Aaron Chown
The original necklace was made for Queen Victoria in 1858. It contains 28 diamonds, including the Lahore Diamond gemstone Pendant. Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and the Queen Mother wore the necklace at the coronations in 1902, 1911, and 1937.
The Coronation earrings – a pair of round brilliants and two large pear-shaped pendants suspended from cushion-cut diamond collet studs – were also worn by Queen Mary and the Queen Mother.
The Queen’s four brooches, each representing a different nation in the United Kingdom, are displayed for the first time. They include a sprig for Northern Ireland, a spray of daffodils, thistles, and roses for England.
The Rose of England Brooch, Royal Collection Trust/HM Queen Elizabeth 2 2022/PA
Brooches made from gold are set with white, pink, and yellow diamonds, and for the Shamrock, emeralds.
The Queen wore the brooches many times, most often when visiting different countries.
Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Coronation will be on show at Windsor Castle from July 7 to September 26 2022 and is included in the price of a general admission ticket.
After her Coronation, in 1953 (PA), the Queen wore the Coronation robe and dress in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.PA Wire/PA Photos – PA
Windsor Castle is open for visitors from Thursday through Monday. It remains closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Visitor information and tickets can be found here www.rct.ukOr call +44 (0)3031237304.