The King & Queen Champion British Fashion In New Royal Portraits

Ahead of the Coronation, Buckingham Palace has unveiled new portraits of the King and Queen Consort in the Blue Drawing Room at the royal residence – and their outfits in photographer Hugo Burnand’s pictures are as carefully chosen as ever.

One notable break with tradition, however? How much Buckingham Palace has opted to share about said outfits. It’s not unusual for the Windsors to release portraits in commemoration of royal milestones, but it’s virtually unheard of for them to reveal exactly what they’re wearing. When Kensington Palace published the first official joint portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in June 2022, press were briefed on artist Jamie Coreth’s process, but no mention was made of Kate’s emerald-green Vampire’s Wife Falconetti dress.

When announcing the new images of the King and Queen Consort, however, Buckingham Palace provided details about both Their Majesties’ clothes and the jewellery worn by Camilla. While Charles opted for a suit by famed Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard and a shirt courtesy of long-time royal suppliers Turnbull & Asser, the Queen Consort tapped British couturier Fiona Clare to design her blue wool crepe coat dress. In a symbolic gesture, she paired the look with a pair of earrings belonging to the late Queen, with the colours of the Union Jack represented by white pearls, red rubies and blue sapphires.

“I am immensely proud that The Queen Consort has chosen to wear one of my dresses,” Fiona tells Vogue. “I couldn’t wish for a higher accolade for my label. Her Majesty’s commitment to bespoke British designers who have a passion for excellence is hugely important for the fashion industry, and helps to highlight the skills involved in creating beautiful clothes and hats that last a lifetime.”

It’s a commitment that the Queen Consort shares with her husband of 18 years. “I mind about detail and colour and things like that – and colour combinations,” King Charles told British Vogue’s Edward Enninful of his approach to fashion in the December 2020 issue. “I’m lucky because I can find marvellous people who are brilliant makers of the things that I appreciate, and because of that, I try to keep them going for longer.” Also of utmost importance to the monarch? The sustainability of his clothes.