Queen's secret weapon that gave her power - 'She knew what it could do for her'

EXCLUSIVE: Queen's secret weapon that gave her power - 'She knew what it could do for her'Queen Elizabeth II's astonishing collection of custom-made clothes and accessories served a much more powerful purpose than making the monarch look goodCommentsNewsMitya Underwood Senior Celebrity & Royal Writer07:00, 05 Apr 2026View 12 ImagesThe Queen's incredible collection of gowns and accessories is a lesson in style, function and ground-breaking fashion trends(Image: WireImage)During her remarkable reign, Queen Elizabeth II accumulated what is now regarded as one of the most significant and largest-surviving wardrobe collections in history.‌The vast array of pieces – ranging from her couture childhood dresses and off-duty casuals to her trademark block-coloured coat dresses and regal ballgowns – tell a story not just about an individual, but of the evolution of British fashion.‌As such, the Royal Collection Trust has chosen the late monarch’s style as the focus of its major exhibition to mark the centenary of her birth. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace until 18 October, showcases hundreds of items of clothing and accessories, as well as sketches, letters and handwritten notes to some of the late Queen’s favourite designers.‌12View 12 ImagesThe late Queen wore an incredible gown to a gala performance at the Paris Opera House in 1957(Image: Getty Images)12View 12 ImagesNorman Hartnell designed this dress for the late Queen to wear to a state banquet for President Eisenhower at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C(Image: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Paul Bulley)Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art at Royal Collection Trust, says the collection is “extraordinary”, because not only does it tell the “story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices”, it also explores the late monarch’s personal relationships with her favourite Bri...