On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the British throne. As the longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history, her choice of tailored and wildly colorful separates, lavish gowns and one-of-a-kind jewels defined her wardrobe, that was well, fit for a Queen.
Always polished and streamlined, the late monarch’s style began to captivate the public ahead of her engagement to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 when she was just a Princess. Incorporating loud pops of color throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth displayed her playful side with inventive millinery, printed silk scarves, and opulent jewels, never diverging from her quiet elegance.
In memory of the inimitable monarch, GRAZIA USA is looking back on her most memorable style moments.
1947: Engagement announcement
Announcing her engagement to Prince Philip, the then-princess chose a demure, soft pink dress embellished with bows for the occasion, opting a for a pearl necklace for the momentous occasion.
1947: 21st birthday
Then-Princess Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday in South Africa, donning a floral midi-length dress, slingback heels, and her signature set of pearls.
1947: wedding to prince Philip
To marry Prince Philip Mountbatten in 1947, the monarch wore a Norman Hartnell tulle, chiffon, and silk bridal gown embellished with seed pearls.
1953: coronation gown
For her coronation, Queen Elizabeth chose another design by Norman Hartnell. With a sweetheart-style neckline and cap sleeves, the intricately embroidered gown had hidden good-luck charms sewn into it, including national and Commonwealth floral emblems.
1961: Meeting the Kennedys
The Queen welcomed President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy for a visit in 1961. Both women posed in differing shades of blue, while the monarch chose a darker-toned tulle ballgown and white opera gloves for the affair. Rumor has it, the former FLOTUS was not impressed with Queen Elizabeth II’s ensemble, and caused an awkward tension, as depicted in an episode of the Netflix hit series The Crown.
1977: Silver Jubilee
The Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II marked the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The Queen greeted crowds in New Zealand, wearing a rosey pink set consisting of a wool jacket, pinned with a bow brooch, a pink gingham collared shirt, a matching wool skirt, and coordinating gingham headpiece.
1981: Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s Wedding
Queen Elizabeth II wore another title on July 19, 1981 — Mother of the Groom. Her eldest son, Prince Charles of Wales tied the knot with Princess Diana at Buckingham Palace. Sporting a bright turquoise gown, topped with a floral brooch, the monarch wore white opera gloves, two strings of pearls around her neck, and a matching aqua hat, embellished with a 3-D floral detailing.
2018: With Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
Marking Meghan Markle‘s first official engagement with the Queen since marrying her husband Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth wore a white mid-length dress with a colorful floral motif under her piercing lime green overcoat. Pinned with a bow-shaped brooch, the monarch donned her signature string of pearls, white gloves while carrying a black handbag, and topped off her ensemble with a matching green hat, emblazoned with a large 3-D flower.
