A stunning new fashion exhibition at Kensington Palace is showcasing rare outfits worn by Princess Diana and Princess Margaret, offering visitors a unique glimpse into royal style through the ages.
Titled Dress Codes, the exhibition explores the evolution of fashion conventions, from formal court attire to ceremonial uniforms, featuring pieces from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection spanning from 1870 to the present day.
While traditional dress codes were once strictly documented, today’s royals adhere to unwritten rules, often using fashion as a means of communication. One of the most renowned figures in sartorial diplomacy was Princess Diana.
Visitors will be greeted by the late Princess of Wales’ dazzling red Bruce Oldfield gown, worn during a 1987 state visit to Saudi Arabia, displayed alongside a tweed hacking jacket from her family estate, Althorp House, paying tribute to her countryside roots.
Also featured is a striking red Jasper Conran two-piece, worn by Diana at the official naming ceremony of the Royal Princess cruise liner in Southampton in 1984, positioned next to an elegant green Catherine Walker tuxedo dress, which she wore to private events.
The scarlet jacket and skirt ensured she stood out in a crowd, but it’s the finer details—such as the anchor-shaped buttons—that visitors will have the chance to examine up close for the first time.
A Legacy of Royal Fashion
Matthew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), emphasized the significance of continuity in royal fashion: “A lot of royal dress codes don’t change over time. Ceremonial clothing, in particular, is designed to remain consistent across generations. At events like coronations or the State Opening of Parliament, the livery and even the King’s attire often feature designs that date back centuries. This continuity remains a vital aspect of British tradition.”
Of the 34 items featured in the exhibition—some contributed for the first time by three local youth organizations—15 have never been publicly displayed before. These include a rare mourning bodice worn by Queen Victoria in 1870 and two dresses belonging to Princess Margaret.
Among Margaret’s pieces is a glamorous gold beaded cape ensemble by Thea Porter from 1978, displayed alongside an intricately embroidered green dress by Filipino designer Jose Pitoy Moreno, which she wore on multiple occasions, including a visit to the Philippines in 1980.
The exhibition is included in general palace admission and will run until November 30, 2025.
