THE QUEEN OF TIMELESS FASHION

A new exhibition dedicated to the style of Elizabeth II throughout each decade of her life opens this spring. Deputy royal editor REBECCA RUSSELL gets a sneak preview of some of the most iconic and influential outfits

- REBECCA RUSSELL

SHE WAS Britain's longest-reigning monarch with one of the most recognisable faces on Earth. But Queen Elizabeth II's impact also extended to her sartorial style and the iconic outfits she wore. Which is why this spring, to celebrate 100 years since her birth, Buckingham Palace is staging a rare exhibition to chart the fashion legacy of the late sovereign throughout each decade of her life.

Opening at the King's Gallery on April 10, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will display 200 rarely seen outfits, jewellery and accessories. Some have never before been on public display.

The showcase will also celebrate Elizabeth's influence on leading British designers, including Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn and Christopher Kane - all of whom are set to contribute their reflections on her fashion legacy in the official centenary publication, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style.

Here, exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut reveals her own fashion highlights and what they say about the late Queen.

• Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is at the King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace from April 10 to October 18. Entry is £22 for adults, £14 for 18 to 24-year-olds, £11 for 5-17 years. Under 5s free. Concessions available. Visit rct/collection/exhibitions

CORONATION DRESS, NORMAN HARTNELL, 1953

ELIZABETH'S spectacular coronation dress from 1953 features floral emblems of the countries of the UK and Commonwealth.

"The Queen asked Hartnell to produce this because of the success of the wedding dress, and she knew that those two dresses were probably the most important things that she would wear in her entire life," says de Guitaut.

"She wanted her coronation dress to be in the same off-white silk satin.

The Queen selected the eighth but had the embroidery scheme amended so that it was in coloured silks.