Royal exhibitions to see now
The Royal List's guide to what’s on for royal fans
This week we share a post from our sister newsletter, The Royal List. Thanks to the recent Coronation, there’s lots of royal exhibitions on at the moment. Here’s our guide to what to see, this summer.
Coronation Display, Buckingham Palace
Let’s start with the working centre of the Royal Family – Buckingham Palace – and its popular summer opening. This year, it’s even better, thanks to the Coronation Display, which is part of the State Rooms tour. On show in the Ballroom, half way round the tour, are the Coronation Robes worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, during their Coronation in May.
You can see the Robe of Estate worn by The King, which was previously sported by his grandfather, King George VI, at his Coronation in 1937 and Camilla’s Bruce Oldfield Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate.
If you add in a visit to the Royal Mews, you can also see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach which the duo travelled in at the Coronation.
Buckingham Palace is open until September 24, visit rct.uk
Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians, The Queen’s Gallery
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace has a popular exhibition on, which looks at the lavish lifestyles of the Georgians. Combining fashion and art, it includes gorgeous gowns such as the ginormous Bath Mantua from the 1760s and the wedding dress of Princess Charlotte, which is the earliest-surviving royal wedding dress.
The exhibition runs until October 8, visit rct.uk
Crown to Couture, Kensington Palace
Another exhibition all about Georgian style, is Crown to Couture, at Kensington Palace, which The Royal List reviewed earlier this year.
A must for fashion fans, it includes lavish gowns like the wide Rockingham Mantua and Silver Tissue Dress, displayed alongside red-carpet looks from the Met Gala, such as OTT dresses worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce. It’s meant to show how Georgian society was like the modern-day celebrity-scene.
The exhibition runs until October 29, visit hrp.org.uk
The Crown Jewels, Tower of London
If you want to see the real thing, then the Crown Jewels are, of course, kept in the Tower of London. The permanent display has a new Coronation exhibition this year, with a Coronation Procession room and many new items, as well as the Imperial State Crown, Sovereign’s Sceptre, Coronation Spoon and St Edward’s Crown, which were used at the King and Queen’s Coronation. Visit hrp.org.uk
Coronation Exhibition, Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, where coronations have taken place for 1000 years, is also is hosting an exhibition in its Chapter House, explaining all the elements of the historic ceremony, including photos and illustrations. You can also see the Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel.
The exhibition runs until September 30, visit westminster-abbey.org
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