History's Runway: Queen Elizabeth's Wedding Dress, 1947

This and all related images from:
The Royal Collection

One of the Queen’s favorite designers throughout his life, Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) was enlisted by Her Majesty as a princess to design the gown for her 1947 marriage to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten.


Hartnell submitted designs for the dress in August 1947. These designs showed his vision of a bridal gown of fine pearl embroidery in a floral design. He cited as his inspiration Botticelli’s painting of Primavera. The Princess gave Hartnell her approval.

The rich ivory dress of duchesse satin contrasts beautifully with the white seed pearls which were imported from America. Further embellishment comes from silver thread, sparkling crystals and transparent appliqué tulle embroidery. The magnificent 13-foot silk tulle full court train attaches at the shoulders and is adorned with embroidery, pearls, crystal and appliqué duchesse satin. The ensemble was completed by a silk tulle veil and ivory duchesse satin high-heeled sandals, trimmed with silver and seed pearl buckles, made by Edward Rayne.