Step into Royal Elegance: A Glimpse of Iconic Gowns at Hillsborough Castle
This week sees the arrival of a royal first for Northern Ireland asHillsborough Castle plays host to some iconic dresses created for many high-profile members of the Royal Family.
The exhibition titled 'Royal Style in the Making' aims to tell the story of the working relationship between a designer and a royal. It will feature three show stopping dresses worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, her sister Princess Margaret and their mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother along with sketches for others to be worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Originally shown at Kensington Palace in 2021, this abridged version of Royal Style in the Making is the first royal fashion exhibition at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens by Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that cares for Northern Ireland's official royal residence.
It will reveal the creative process and craftsmanship behind clothing destined for the world stage while exploring how fashion shaped the style and image of the monarchy throughout the 20th century.
Highlights include a salmon-pink silk chiffon dress worn by Queen Elizabeth II, an eighteenth-century-style blue and gold ball gown worn by Princess Margaret, and an elegant floor-length calico toile accented with gold detailing, crafted for the coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother).
Highlights of the Exhibition:
- Rare opportunity to see original sketches, fabric swatches, and embroidery samples from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection
- Specially commissioned film delving into the creative collaboration between designers and royal clients
- Personal correspondence between Norman Hartnell and Queen Elizabeth II
- Original sketches by British designer David Sassoon for Diana, Princess of Wales
Charlene Farrell, Interpretation Producer for Royal Style In The Making, expressed excitement, stating, 'For anybody who has any interest in fashion, the Royal Family or dressmaking, you just have to come along. It's a real must see.'
The exhibition is open to visitors from March 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026. More details available at the exhibition venue.