Princess Beatrice of York’s wedding dress will be on display in the State Dining Room at Windsor Castle from Thursday, 24 September 2020.

The Princess visited the display with Curator Caroline de Guitaut before the exhibition opened to the public.

‘Something Borrowed …’

Renowned British fashion designer Sir Norman Hartnell designed the dress for Queen Elizabeth II which was first worn during a State Visit to Rome in 1961.

The Queen wore it again for the London premiere of the film, Lawrence of Arabia, in 1962 and for the State Opening of Parliament in 1966.

Queen Elizabeth II loaned the vintage dress to her granddaughter, following alterations by the Queen’s Dresser Angela Kelly and British fashion designer Stewart Parvin, as ‘something borrowed’ for her wedding on 17 July 2020.

The dress is made of ivory peau de soie taffeta with crystals and diamantés hand-embroidered on the bodice, waist and hips, whilst the skirt is trimmed with a band of ivory duchess satin.

Princess Beatrice’s wedding shoes, made by Valentino, and a replica of her bridal bouquet made from artificial flowers, are also on display.

Patrice Van Helden, co-owner of RVH Floral Design created Princess Beatrice’s bouquet using trailing jasmine, pale pink and cream sweat pea, Royal Porcelina spray roses, pink O’Hara roses, pink ‘wax flower’ (Chamelaucium uncinatum), baby pink astilbe and the traditional sprigs of myrtle.

Visiting Windsor Castle

Princess Beatrice’s wedding dress display is part of a visit to Windsor Castle from Thursday, 24 September, to Sunday, 22 November 2020, as part of the Semi-State Rooms, including the State Dining Room.

The Semi-State Rooms, the most richly decorated interiors at Windsor Castle, were originally created as private apartments for King George IV, and now used by Queen Elizabeth for official entertaining.

The Semi-State Rooms are open to the public every year between September and March.

Tickets for Windsor Castle must be pre-booked in advance either online at www.rct.uk or by phoning +44 (0)303 123 7304.

Windsor Castle is open to the public five days per week from Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Visitors are advised to allow 1½-2 hours as Windsor Castle is at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances, and wear comfortable shoes.