It is true that the definition of monarchy in this country has changed almost beyond recognition. Whilst the crown is no longer the political centre of the nation that it once was, it is reassuring to still see the nation stand up in honour of our Queen this weekend, as Britain threw itself into celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. What has not changed, however, is the status of the British monarch as a fashion icon. History shows us that the eyes of the country have always looked to the royal family for style inspiration, whether that be Queen Victoria with her eternal mourning-dress, Charles II and the beginnings of the three-piece suit, or Elizabeth I with her harsh Tudor silhouettes. The same is still true today, as evidenced this weekend - the Queen’s Jubilee outfits have been the talk of the town. In particular, the mint-green crystal studded coat and dress ensemble which Liz donned for the thanksgiving service at St. Pauls, crafted by the Queens designer-of-choice Angela Kelly, seems to have been a massive hit. The fine silk material was beautifully embroidered in silver thread and embellished with small flower shapes, as well as scattered with Swarovski crystals in places. An amazing brooch, made from two of the nine stones which originally made up the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, gave the outfit that extra regal touch, and of course the look would not have been complete without the Queen’s signature headgear. My personal favourite item worn by her Majesty this weekend was her cape coat which she wore during the Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, apparently an Admiral’s Boat Cloak. I love the way the gold buttons stand out in stark contrast against the black material, very much like a cape cardigan that I bagged in the Topshop sale last Christmas. In fact, the Queen’s cloak is apparently the very same one that she wore back in the 1968 for a Cecil Beaton portrait.
For me, the Queen’s style is perfectly elegant and encompasses everything that a female monarch should be; it is a style that expresses power and dignity, commanding respect yet maintaining that element of feminine chic. Here’s my pick of some of her best outfits over the past sixty years:
Looking beautiful in white lace at the Australian Tour in 1954
Again looking wonderful in white at a Windsor cocktail party in 1959
Elizabeth certainly knows how to wear a cape coat, teaming her beige waterproof with boots for a very British, country look - 1989.
Loving this modern take on tartan, keeping it fresh and colourful whilst visiting the University of Nottingham back in 1999.
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