Queen Elizabeth's Olympic Skydiving Dress Unveiled in Royal Fashion Exhibition
A new exhibition showcasing the late Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe has unveiled the remarkable dress worn by her stunt double during the iconic London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. The exhibition, titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, brings together approximately 300 garments and personal items, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the monarch's sartorial legacy.
The Olympic Skydiving Dress
Designed by the Queen's trusted dressmaker Angela Kelly, the unique garment features sown-in Victorian-style bloomers and a large zip at the back, specifically engineered to accommodate a parachute. Two identical versions of this distinctive dress are now on public display for the very first time. This piece played a crucial role in one of the most memorable moments of the London Games, where the Queen appeared to skydive into the Olympic Stadium alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig.
The stunt double performed the daring aerial leap above the arena, capturing the imagination of millions worldwide. The exhibition has already generated tremendous public interest, with tickets for the initial weeks completely sold out as thousands rush to witness this extraordinary collection.
A Comprehensive Wardrobe Collection
Opening at the King's Gallery within Buckingham Palace, this exhibition represents the largest ever staged presentation of the Queen's clothing. Spanning an impressive ten decades, the show meticulously charts her evolution from a young princess to Britain's longest-reigning monarch. It explores how fashion became one of her most powerful and deliberate tools of communication throughout her historic reign.
The collection includes her trademark headscarves, transparent Fulton umbrellas, practical tweed suits, and lavish gowns worn during significant state occasions. Many of these items were previously kept within her private apartments and have been under the careful stewardship of the Royal Collection since her passing in September 2022.
Fashion as Diplomatic Tool
Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut emphasized the Queen's acute awareness of her public image, stating: "I think she had a definite sense of what suited her. She absolutely knew how she wanted to appear." Colour served as a vital element of the monarchy's soft power, with the Queen strategically using it to complement hosts during diplomatic engagements.
One notable example is the Norman Hartnell gown in green and white—Pakistan's national colours—which she wore during a 1961 state visit banquet. For large public events, she consistently opted for bright or distinctive shades to ensure she remained easily visible to guests and well-wishers.
Personal and Practical Style
The exhibition also explores the Queen's off-duty wardrobe for the first time, displaying tweed suits worn while relaxing at Balmoral alongside practical riding attire and outdoor wear. Angela Kelly's thick woollen coat from Elizabeth's later years appears alongside items by renowned designers Burberry and Hardy Amies.
Curator de Guitaut noted the balance between contemporary fashion and practicality in the Queen's style choices: "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."
Milestone Garments
Visitors can view clothing from pivotal moments throughout the Queen's 96-year life, including the historic christening robe commissioned by Queen Victoria, the magnificent wedding dress created by Sir Norman Hartnell, and her elaborate coronation dress. These pieces collectively tell the story of a monarch who understood the profound symbolic power of clothing.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run at the King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from 10 April to 18 October, offering a comprehensive celebration of a remarkable royal wardrobe that defined an era.
