how Queen Elizabeth II conveyed messages through her outfits

Queen Elizabeth II has undeniably marked the spirits thanks to her clothing choices. During his reign, every outing was like a fashion show. “It’s a wardrobe that is studied, thought out, worked with incredible care”, explains biographer Isabelle Rivère. Custom outfits down to the smallest detail: “In times when it’s windy, the dress must not lift up. So there is lead in the hems”, says British journalist Philip Turle.

From the beginning of her reign, she stood out, in particular by opting for bright colors and ornamented hats: “When she was young, she was told ‘in your professional life, you will meet millions of people’. So for these people to see you and say ‘I saw the queen’, you have to think of a garment with a bright color”, adds the journalist.

“The queen’s outfit is a diplomatic message”

This strong visual choice sometimes went beyond the desire to be visible to everyone, and reflected a political position. If she couldn’t directly express her opinion on a subject, she did so through her clothes: “The queen’s outfit is a diplomatic message”, assures Marc Roche, correspondent in London for the daily The world.

When Brexit was voted on June 23, 2016, the Queen went to the House of Lords in a specific outfit: “We see her arrive in a suit in the colors of the European flag, remembers the biographer. I find it very hard to believe that there was no message in this suit.” Philippe Turle agrees: “It’s a game she’s been playing for a very long time. (…) That day, it was an indication from the Queen to say that she was for the European Union.”

Excerpt from “La France d’Elizabeth”, broadcast in “1:15 p.m. on Sunday” on April 30, 2023.

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