Queen's coronation outfit on show for 60th anniversary

The majestic coronation outfits worn by the Queen and leading royals are to be the centrepiece of a major new exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary.

The special exhibition at Buckingham Palace brings together an array of dresses, robes and gowns made for the Queen and her immediate family for the first time since the historic event on June 2 1953.

The display will include the Queen's white satin coronation dress which was created by the couturier Norman Hartnell and incorporates embroidered national and Commonwealth floral emblems in gold, silver and pastel-coloured silks, encrusted with pearls, crystals and sequins.

The robe of estate, worn when the monarch left the Abbey for Buckingham Palace, is of English purple silk-velvet and is more than 6.5 metres long.

It took members of the Royal School of Needlework 3,500 hours to embroider the robe with wheat ears and olive branches, representing peace and prosperity.

The exhibition will be staged during the summer opening of Buckingham Palace and will also feature the outfits of the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal.

Charles was aged four when he attended the coronation and wore a cream silk shirt and lace trimmed cuffs with cream woollen trousers and completed his look with black patent shoes with buckles.

Anne was aged two and too young to attend the ceremony but still wore a cream silk and lace gown with a silk sash and silk-covered buttons. On her feet were matching cream, silk ballet pumps.

The display will also include the Duke of Edinburgh's uniform, robe and coronet, and the dresses and robes worn by the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

• The Queen's coronation exhibition at Buckingham Palace will be staged from July 27 to September 29.

• Advance tickets and visitor information is available at www.royalcollection.org.uk