King Charles supported by Lady Sarah Chatto as he honours Queen Elizabeth on the eve of 100th birthday

The King has kicked off a series of events to celebrate his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by visiting a landmark exhibition in her honour. Charles, 77, was joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, 78, and the late Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, to visit Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace, an exhibition by the Royal Collection Trust. 

It is the first in a series of events celebrating what would have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday, showcasing all that she achieved throughout her landmark 70-year reign. Charles wore a pinstriped suit for the occasion, while Camilla looked sophisticated in a matching blue dress and black heels. 

During their tour, Their Majesties learnt about the exhibition from staff and were joined by contemporary fashion designers, including Erdem Moralıoğlu, who shared their pieces. They also met King’s Foundation students from the Chanel and le19M Metiers d’Art Embroidery, Millinery and Atelier Fellowship programmes.

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Sarah greeted the royal with a hug.  

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Charles looked back on one of his late mother’s most memorable looks – the dress she wore for the Opening Ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

The late Queen wore a peach embroidered dress designed by Angela Kelly. 

A royal first

The Life in Style exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive presentation of the late Queen’s fashion ever mounted. It is on display to the public until 18 October. Items on display include Queen Elizabeth II’s christening robe, bridesmaid dresses, her wedding dress from her nuptials to Prince Philip in 1947 and the dress she wore at her 1952 coronation. 

Caroline de Guitaut, who curated the exhibition, told HELLO! in an exclusive interview last month that the exhibition shows the late Queen as an admirer of fine couture and a trendsetter who influenced fashion houses, including Gucci. 

She said: “One of the things that has been written about the Queen in the past is that she wasn’t interested in fashion. 

“The media compared her with her younger sister [Princess Margaret], who went to Paris couturiers, whereas the Queen was supporting the best of British. [Her style] was elegant, restrained and appropriate but something she made recognisable. She absolutely followed fashion.”