Five of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic outfits - from new royal exhibit

Five of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic outfits - from new royal exhibit9 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAmy WalkerBBCShe was arguably the most famous woman of her time, and Queen Elizabeth II's style - though restrained and often conservative - was instantly recognisable.Just as she remained a constant presence during her 70 years on the throne, so did the show-stopping hats and bright coats of her public appearances, and the tweeds, tartans and headscarves of her off-duty look.Her outfits were meticulously designed - both with practicality in mind, and often with subliminal messages of soft power, diplomacy and stability.A new exhibition at The King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace - showcasing items from the 10 decades of Queen Elizabeth's life and marking the centenary of her birth on 10 April - throws light on how Britain changed during her reign.Of the 200 pieces set to be featured - including clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories - we have selected five of the most iconic outfits.The tweed and tartan skirtDesigned by her dressmaker Norman Hartnell, the Queen first wore her Harris tweed jacket and Balmoral Tartan skirt in the 1950s.The ensemble - which became a staple of the Queen's off-duty look through the decades - was practical for her love of the outdoors, and modest in appearance.But royal fashion commentator and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei, says the statement it made was anything but.The fabrics used were intended to "promote British fashion, excellence and production", says Kwei.And weaved into the outfit's feminine cut and low-key tones are connotations of "stability, dependence, soft power", she says."It's 'I'm in charge', without being too loud about it."Topical Press Agency / Hulton Archive via Getty ImagesThe young Queen wearing a different checked tweed blazer and darker tartan knee-length skirt, with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles an...