13 Sep 2015

The Queen

by | posted in: History of fashion, Style advice | 19

Queen Elizabeth II has just reached an important milestone. She has been sitting on the throne for longer than her Great Grandmother Queen Victoria, who managed 63 years too, (but less days).

Good on you, Ma’am.

In 2007 she and Prince Philip celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary and Buckingham Palace released this charming photograph (below right) taken at Broadlands, in Hampshire, where they had previously posed for the engagement announcement.

It is a great achievement to stay married to the same person for 60 years (68 now) too. This is a woman who is constant through and through. What is also interesting is that both of them are wearing similar outfits (apparently not deliberately planned).

The Duke of Edinburgh has filled out a little, lost some hair, and is still somewhat awkward with a photographer. He wears a suit and tie, one button done up (correctly), a classic silk tie in a lighter shade, and pocket handkerchief. The Queen is also stouter than her younger self, but she has continued with a similar style. A high necked blouse, a buttoned jacket with set in sleeves and a face framing collar, and simple classic jewellry – studs in her ears, two strands of natural pearls and an oval brooch. Both jackets evidently tailored made; the fit is good. Even her hairstyle is similar – off the face, curled at the neckline and probably set and sprayed.

When Queen Elizabeth was youthful she wore some beautiful clothes. Here is a gorgeous image from 1954 in which she wears, I think, a dark silk dress with gathered skirt and yoke. The white shoes, gloves and bag worn with a sweet hat make this dress look smart and comfortable in the high heat.

StateLibQld_1_191419_Sir_Walter_Jackson_Cooper_and_Queen_Elizabeth_II,_1954

Here, at her sister’s wedding in 1960, she looks amazing in a tightly fitted full length dress with matching bolero and elbow length gloves. I love the hat especially. But of course it was rather an old fashioned look at the time.

Queen Elizabeth (L) with Prince Charles (2L) and Elizabeth II at Princess Margaret's wedding.
Queen Elizabeth II

And here is one where she has adopted some of the 1960s styling. Maybe it’s that engagement brooch again, matched with a sapphire blue velvet pleated hat. I really like this silver dress with matching simple coat, worn with fashionable shoes. These days the Queen always wears black shoes and a black bag (I am guessing she has several identical pairs, and ditto with her bags). Maybe a bit dressy for watching the horses, but the public would expect the Queen to stand out in a crowd.

Queen Elizabeth fashion
1963

Note:

I have decided to stop blogging everyday, so from next week I am going to skip Sundays. Day of Rest if you like. And maybe one day in the week. I’ll see how I go.

19 Responses

  1. Sam
    |

    What a lovely post! I think the Queen is a wonderful and very stylish lady. You’re right, in her younger days she was a beauty and wore some amazing outfits.

  2. Anne
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    Some of the Queen’s clothes were lovely. Obviously, she’s elderly (I’m not going to say old) now and it’s amazing that she still looks as good as she does – and that Philip does too. My mother is slightly younger and, like the Queen, has fabulous images of her younger self. She’s not in the public eye so now adopts a more casual approach but still has outfits which would appear a little too formal by modern views.
    I can’t imagine what it would be like blogging everyday! I have difficulty keeping up with posts! Cutting your blogging frequency seems like sense. Enjoy your extra free time.

  4. Lynn Mally
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    Well, I must admit that I have no opinion on the Queen. However, I love your blog posts, and because I love them I am glad to hear that you will be cutting back a little. With a more reasonable schedule, you will blog longer–and I hope to see you blogging forever. (That’s my plan for myself…but we will see.)

  5. Sweatyknitter
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    I’ve always wondered about British royals and the hats … is it a requirement when making public appearances?! Hyacinth Bouquet (“Keeping Up Appearances”) always wore a hat outside the house. 🙂

  6. Jenny
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    I greatly admire the Queen, like many people do of course. She is the constant one amongst a lot of hangers on and I hope she continues for many more years. I like her style – just right for a royal, although not very modern. I will miss your daily posts but quite understand. Quality over quantity is always best.

  10. Gill
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    Not just to be able to stay married to the same man for 68 years, but to still smile at him with affection! (I barely made 4 years). I don’t know how you manage to blog daily, enjoy your day off!

  11. Bunny
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    I’ve always thought the Queen was a beautiful woman and so pretty and fresh looking when she was younger. Thanks for sharing this.

    As far as the blogging, I never cease to be amazed at the quantity and frequency of your posts. I find them all interesting as you perspective, from across the pond, is not one I hear regularly. I appreciate all the blogging you do and heavens, take a well deserved rest!

  12. jennifer miller
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    I’ve always loved the Queen, think she is so gracious and has a great smile. She and my mother share a birth month and year. There are two good things about your day off from blogging: you’ll have some deserved time to yourself, and I won’t miss so many of your posts. [from my own lack of checking in] 🙂

  14. Stephanie
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    I have always had a soft spot for the Queen (and the Queen Mother). These are lovely photos.

    K., you are the one doing all of the research, so although I will miss your daily posts (so interesting!), of course you should do what is optimal for you in terms of work and play.

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