Visitors to Kensington Palace can explore the intricacies of court dressing in a new exhibition ‘Dress Codes’. Part of Historic Royal Palaces, the exhibition is on now and runs until 30 November 2025.

Celebrating the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which spans 500 years, the exhibition includes recognisable pieces set alongside items worn by courtiers as well as people who worked in palaces.

The exhibition features clothing worn by members of the royal family, with highlights including two matching Liberty print floral cotton dresses, worn in 1936 by Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, as well as a rare black bodice worn by Queen Victoria in her early years of mourning. Clothes worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, will also be on display.

In addition, Dress Codes includes recent clothing to demonstrate how the tradition of dressing for court continues today. Groups can expect to see the polka dot draped gown worn by Dame Vivienne Westwood when she received her DBE for services to fashion in 2006, and a sherwani with intricate gold embroidery, worn by Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh to receive his knighthood for services to COVID-19 research and policy in 2023.

The exhibition is included with the admission ticket for Kensington Palace which can be purchased directly from the website – group rates apply to 15 people-plus. Find out more at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade or contact Ely Mounir at elyacout.mounir@hrp.org.uk