The Queen Does Not Own A Wardrobe Full Of Clothes (2024)

FAQs

Does the Queen put on her own clothes? ›

And as to putting one's clothes on, contrary to popular belief the Queen actually dressed alone. The monarch also did her own make-up for most events, with the exception of her annual Christmas speech, for which a make-up artist was employed.

The sheer expense of Elizabeth's wardrobe meant that little has survived. Gowns and accessories were recycled, reused, given away as gifts and sometimes used as payment to those in her service.

She does re-wear a lot of her outfits. There are some which are associated with a major event which might only be seen once, but generally you'll see her wear them three times at highly photographed events.

According to Brian Hoey, author of Not In Front of the Corgis, the queen regularly gave her old clothes to her dressers. From there, they could either keep the pieces, wear them, or sell them. Hoey notes that if pieces were sold, buyers couldn't know that the clothes came from Her Majesty.

The only time the Queen was photographed in pants was during the Royal Tour of Canada in 1970, when a young tailor crafted her a matte-silk trouser suit in an effort to update her look. Apparently it never stuck, and the moment has become the only time the royal wore trousers in public. No, we're not kidding.

The Woman of the Bedchamber helps the Queen to dress and undress, as well as helping her take a bath. It's a very private and personal role, that has been around for centuries.

According to Elizabeth Holmes' book, "HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style," the Queen's outfits are recorded, and repeats are purposely spaced out. After she's worn it a second or third time, the outfit is either reworked into a new design or reserved to only wear in private.

Some pieces probably ballgowns will be refashioned for other members of the Royal family who can also choose any other pieces they wish to have. Remaining things will be auctioned off for charities. I thought I read that her close ladies in waiting could choose something from her collection of outfits.

It's said that in order to feel fresh for her daily appointments the Queen always went to bed at the same time every night, 11pm, and slept for eight and a half hours – meaning she woke at 7.30am each day.

Not every day. Makeup for Elizabeth was stagecraft. If she was granting audiences, or traveling out among her people, makeup could help with the illusion of agelessness.

Does the Queen dress up everyday? ›

The Queen sits on the throne in her ermine and pearls for an hour a day. Like anyone else they dress for what they are doing. If they are on duty they will be suited and booted out of respect for the people they are meeting. If they are going to a gala event or state banquet it will be all tuxedos and tiaras.

Since there is a protocol for everything and wardrobe rules apply to all members of the royal family, they are required to carry a black outfit, that is fit for a funeral, with them at all times while travelling.

Members of the Royal Family do not accept free gifts or free items of clothing. However, they may sometimes loan items which are returned after use. The Princess of Wales (whose name is Catherine not Kate) funds her purchases from the income her husband derives from the Duchy of Cornwall.

text: Prince William was reportedly the first royal baby to use disposable diapers instead of traditional cloth diapers, and Murphy predicts the new, young parents will make the same decision.

Until they're considered old enough, young boys from the royal family may only wear shorts. It's called “breeching.” They have to wear them until they're 8 years old, then they're allowed to wear trousers. It might also have to do with the fact that wearing trousers, for the royals, is considered to be “middle class.”

Royals buy their own clothes within a budget and work with stylists and aids to do so. Generally, they dress formally and to the dress code.

According to Elizabeth Holmes' book, "HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style," the Queen's outfits are recorded, and repeats are purposely spaced out. After she's worn it a second or third time, the outfit is either reworked into a new design or reserved to only wear in private.

What Happens With Queen Elizabeth's Clothes? Queen Elizabeth never wears the same outfit twice at important events. Therefore, the sovereign prefers to either change her outfits and if she gets bored of them, she sends them to her dressers, who are then allowed to either wear them themselves or sell them.