- An event exclusively for Historic Royal Palaces members
- New exhibition at Kensington Palace
- Preview takes place before public opening
On this members-only preview day, be among the first to discover never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace.
Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and 'dress codes' evolve.
This exciting new exhibition showcases both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are pieces worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria.
Dress Codes has been generously supported by Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates.
When
12 March 2025
10:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:00)Ticketing information
Members go free.
Pre-booking required to guarantee entry; tickets will be available to book in the next few weeks.
All attendees must be named Historic Royal Palaces members holding a valid membership. Please present your membership card alongside your ticket at the entrance.
Free (advance booking required)
Image: An early 20th-century Japanese Court Suit coatee in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection store, in preparation for its display in Dress Codes at Kensington Palace in 2025. © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: Liberty print floral cotton dress worn by Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), c1936. The Queen's sister, Princess Margaret (1930-2002) had a matching dress. © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: Extensively beaded flapper-style dress in black and white seed beads with clear droplet beads, the bodice and waist defined by rhinestone studded bands. Matching train in dramatic black and white with foliate bands, edged in black velvet Mary Frances Swire married Sir Reginald Culcheth Holcroft, 2nd Baronet on 26 July 1928. © Historic Royal Palaces
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