The dress worn by Queen Elizabeth II’s stunt double during the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, complete with its distinctive bloomers, is now on display as part of a new exhibition showcasing the late monarch’s wardrobe.
Designed by Angela Kelly, the unique garment features sown-in Victorian-style bloomers and a large zip at the back, specifically to accommodate a parachute.
Two identical versions of the dress are on public display for the first time.
The Queen famously took part in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, appearing to millions to skydive into the Olympic Stadium from a helicopter with James Bond actor Daniel Craig, after he escorted her from Buckingham Palace.
Her stunt double performed the daring leap above the arena.
The exhibition, which has already sold out its first few weeks with thousands of tickets snapped up, also features her trademark headscarves, see-through Fulton umbrellas, tweed suits, and lavish dresses worn at state occasions.
These items, once kept in her private apartments, have been under the care of the Royal Collection since her death in September 2022.
Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said: “I think she had a definite sense of what suited her. She absolutely knew how she wanted to appear.”
Opening on Friday at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will bring together around 300 garments and items from the Queen’s wardrobe for the largest exhibition staged of her clothing.
Spanning 10 decades, the show charts her evolution from young princess to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, exploring how fashion became one of her most powerful tools of communication.
Colour was important element of the monarchy’s soft power and the Queen used it to complement hosts, like the exhibition’s Norman Hartnell gown in green and white, Pakistan’s national colours, worn at a banquet during a 1961 state visit to the Commonwealth nation.
She opted for bright or distinctive shades at large events like away-days around the country or garden parties so she could be easily spotted by guests.
The Queen’s off-duty wardrobe is explored for the first time with her tweed suits, worn when relaxing or receiving guests at Balmoral, on display alongside clothes for riding and practical outdoor wear, with Kelly’s thick woollen coat from Elizabeth’s later years featuring alongside items by Burberry and Hardy Amies.
The Queen adapted her style to suit the period and, speaking about her long list of designers, the curator said: “Of course, they would insert whatever the contemporary prevailing fashion of the time. The hemline – Hardy Amies said ‘we went as high as we dared’ in the 60s’.
“But at the end of the day, it’s down to practicality, It’s down to what enables her to carry out her duties, I think, that was always there, that was always present.
“But that’s not to say that she doesn’t have this important contribution and interest – contribution to British fashion, and interest in fashion, which is something that has always been sort of put on the sidelines.”
Clothes worn at milestone moments during the Queen’s 96-year life are also on display, from the historic christening robe commissioned by Queen Victoria for the baptism of future Edward VII to a wedding dress created by Sir Norman Hartnell and the late monarch’s coronation dress.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, will run from 10 April to 18 October.