Queen Alexandra’s Dazzling Coronation Dress and a Feast of Fashion & Family History at The King’s Gallery. From golden glamour to glittering jewels, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, is a must-visit for fashion aficionados, jewellery lovers, and families seeking a fascinating journey through royal history. Open from 11 April to 23 November 2025, this sumptuous new exhibition brings the Edwardian era to life through more than 300 rare works from the Royal Collection, with the jewel in its crown being Queen Alexandra’s trailblazing gold coronation dress, on public view for the first time in over 30 years.
The Edwardians – Queen Alexandra’s Coronation Dress and Edward VIIs Mantle
Narrated via a free multimedia guide by actor Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey fame), the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to step into a world of opulence, artistry, and elegance. More than a showcase of regal fashion, it also captures a moment of transition – between the Victorian age of mourning and the oncoming storm of the First World War offering visitors a nuanced, engaging exploration of Edwardian society, fashion, domesticity, and innovation.
For Lovers of Fashion and Jewellery: A Gilded Age of Glamour
Queen Alexandra’s coronation dress is nothing short of revolutionary. Breaking with royal tradition, which dictated white or cream ecclesiastical-style gowns, Alexandra boldly chose a shimmering gold creation crafted by the female-led Parisian couture house Morin Blossier. Covered in thousands of hand-sewn golden spangles designed to dazzle under Westminster Abbey’s newly installed electric lighting, the dress heralded a new, more theatrical approach to royal regalia.
What makes this dress truly iconic, however, is not just its spectacle, but its symbolic depth. At Alexandra’s own suggestion, the dress was the first royal garment to incorporate the national emblems of the United Kingdom – the rose, thistle, and shamrock – a design legacy that continues in modern coronation attire, including that of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Camilla.
The craftsmanship behind the gown is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Forty needle-workers in Delhi spent five months embroidering its gold net before the material was sent to Paris, where it was laid over cloth of gold to complete the final silhouette. It took over 100 hours of conservation work to prepare the fragile garment for display.
But the fashion feast does not end there. Alexandra’s jewellery ensemble, worn for the coronation and on display for the very first time, includes a diamond necklace and earrings gifted by Edward VII, as well as the legendary Dagmar necklace, a present from the King of Denmark. Also featured is her ostrich feather fan, the handle set with a diamond crown and the initials “A” surrounded by more national emblems – a statement of regal elegance and craftsmanship.
For fashion historians and jewellery lovers alike, this is an unmissable opportunity to see regal style at its most daring and opulent.
For Families: Royals, Costumes, and Edwardian Curiosity
Far from being a dry historical affair, The Edwardians is designed to delight and engage visitors of all ages, making it perfect for families looking for an enriching cultural day out.
The exhibition paints an intimate portrait of two generations of royal couples – Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and George V and Queen Mary – offering a peek into both their public grandeur and their private lives. While the grand garments and glittering jewels might captivate older visitors, there’s also a wealth of items to intrigue children and teenagers:
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Fancy-dress costumes worn by the royals, including Alexandra’s whimsical “Mary, Queen of Scots” outfit from an 1871 ball.
The Edwardians – Queen Alexandra’s Mary Queen of Scots costume
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A pair of Tiffany & Co gold opera glasses, encrusted with diamonds and pearls – evidence of the lavish accessories of the time.
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Kodak photographs taken by Alexandra herself, using one of the earliest portable cameras – a brilliant way to spark young imaginations and connect them with early photography.
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A magical display of Fabergé animal sculptures, commissioned by Edward in 1907. These intricate miniatures – lions, elephants, rabbits and more – will surely charm visitors of all ages.
Edwardians – Faberge pigeon
In addition, children and teenagers interested in history, fashion, or art will find inspiration in the grand oil portraits by artists like John Singer Sargent and Philip de László, which evoke the drama and aesthetic flair of the time.
Painting by John Singer Sargent
A selection of hands-on events and creative workshops is also on offer throughout the exhibition’s run, including costume-making courses, lectures, and family-friendly activities during the school holidays.
Art, Domestic Life, and the Personal Touch
The Edwardians were not merely fashion plates. They were avid collectors, patrons, and homemakers, and this exhibition gives an equal spotlight to their more personal sides. Visitors can admire:
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A signed copy of Elgar’s “Coronation Ode”, including the earliest version of Land of Hope and Glory.
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A beautiful oil painting by Laurits Tuxen, depicting Alexandra kneeling during her anointing – on public view for the first time in more than 100 years.
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Interior furnishings and decorative trinkets from the royal residences, offering a snapshot of Edwardian domestic life.
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A stunning copy of Oscar Wilde’s “Poems”, featuring a rare handwritten message from Wilde himself.
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The ethereal ‘After the Ball’ by Charles Baugniet, showing a young woman slumped in her gown, having danced the night away – a romantic and nostalgic close to the exhibition.
Accessibility, Affordability & Added Perks
The Royal Collection Trust has taken commendable steps to make this major exhibition accessible to as many people as possible. £1 tickets are available for those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits during selected periods (11 April – 7 July & 29 September – 23 November 2025).
Other options include:
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Young Person Discount (18–24)
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Free 1-Year Pass for all full-price ticket holders who book directly via the Royal Collection Trust
This makes the exhibition not only a top cultural outing but an excellent value-for-money experience for families. The gallery also offers a well-curated gift shop with an exclusive Edwardian-themed retail range, ideal for stylish souvenirs and unique gift ideas.
Plan Your Visit
? The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
? 11 April – 23 November 2025
? Open Thursday to Monday (daily opening 15 July – 27 August)
? Tickets & info: www.rct.uk | T: +44 (0)30 3123 7301
Whether you’re a fashion devotee, a history buff, a jewellery enthusiast, or a family on the lookout for a dazzling day out, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance offers a spellbinding mix of style, stories, and splendour. Queen Alexandra’s coronation dress alone is worth the visit – a shimmering symbol of power, artistry, and transformation. Don’t miss this chance to experience the grandeur of a lost era, just steps from the Mall.
