King Charles face to face with the past on the eve of Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary

The King came face to face with the past as he prepared to mark the poignant anniversary of his mother’s birth.

With just hours to go until the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles viewed the exhibition of her style that is now open in London.

And as he toured the show, at The King’s Gallery next to Buckingham Palace, he was clearly taken to the past.

For the clothes on show, several thousand items worn by Elizabeth II during her 96 years, were more familiar to him than any other person who has seen the display.

King Charles stopped at many displays, remembering when he had seen his mother wear a particular outfit. Even those clothes which appear obscure to some viewers held a special poignancy for Elizabeth II’s eldest child.

There was a special mention from The King for the more casual outfits that are display, illustrating the love that the Late Queen had for the countryside and for pursuits including riding. The King seemed particularly moved as he stood in front of a selection of her headscarves and tweeds which form one of the most personal elements of the exhibition.

Accompanied by Queen Camilla, he also stopped for some minutes before the Coronation gown worn in 1953 and designed by Sir Norman Hartnell with strong input from Elizabeth II who rejected seven designs before agreeing to the one which is now on show and which includes symbolic embroidery including emblems from all parts of the United Kingdom.

Queen Camilla and King Charles also showed a special interest in the wedding dress worn by the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947 for her marriage to Prince Philip. It is shown alongside the tiara that Elizabeth II wore with it on November 20 that year, the sparkling diamond fringe tiara that famously broke ahead of the ceremony and had to be quickly mended.

King Charles had more family support as he toured the exhibition. One of his favourite cousins, Lady Sarah Chatto, was also at the special royal showing and greeted The King warmly on his arrival, curtseying and offering a kiss on both cheeks.

The visit to Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style was the start of a series of events that will see King Charles lead the Royal Family in remembering Her Late Majesty on what would have been her 100th birthday.

At Buckingham Palace, on the afternoon of April 21, King Charles will welcome centenarians to a special birthday celebration which will also see them receive their special cards, which now replace the telegram that was traditionally sent to those marking their 100th birthdays.

Earlier the same day, King Charles will be joined by other royals at the British Museum to see final plans for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II while Princess Anne will open the garden dedicated to their mother in Regent’s Park.