Queen Elizabethmade history when she was crowned monarch on June 2, 1953, in an elaborate ceremony full of pomp, pageantry and the perfect dress.
Here are five surprising facts aboutQueen Elizabeth’s historic coronation outfit:
Created in the finest white duchess satin and richly embroidered in a lattice-work effect, the dress featured the floral emblems of both the U.K. and the Commonwealth on request from the Queen herself. The emblems — including the Canadian maple leaf, Australian wattle and the New Zealand fern — were also embroidered onto the dress in color, a first for a coronation dress and a direct request from Her Majesty. Given nine designs, the Queen opted for the eighth (with her modifications!).
Queen Elizabeth II after her Coronation.Getty
- There Was a Hidden Good-Luck Charm
As part of his intricate design, Hartnell included a four-leaf shamrock on the left side of the skirt, which was positioned perfectly so that Her Majesty’s hand would rest on it during the ceremony. Whether it was secretly embroidered is hard to know. “I think it’s possible that [the Queen] didn’t know,” Caroline de Gautaut, deputy surveyor of the Queen’s Works of Art tells PEOPLE. adding: “It was a really lovely, personal thought.”
A sketch of Norman Hartnell’s design.Royal Collection Trust
3.It Was the Ultimate Rewear
Since the Coronation Day, the Queen has worn the dress six times, including the Opening of Parliament in New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka in 1954. She also chose to wear it again in 1957 for the Opening of Parliament in Canada. “I think it was a fantastic way to share that beautiful piece of clothing with all the countries she visited — her first time doing so as Queen,” says de Gautaut.
Queen Elizabeth at the State Opening of Parliament in New Zealand in 1954.Central Press/Getty
- Spot the Veggies!
Look closely, and you will see the dress actually featured leeks! As the symbol of Wales, the vegetable was portrayed in soft green silk, silver thread bullion and diamonds. “Back then, the Earl Marshall, who was in charge of everything to do with the protocols of the coronation, was adamant that the leek was the leading emblem of Wales — it does looks very beautiful,” says de Gautaut, who is the curator of a new exhibition at Windsor Castle this summer featuring both the coronation dress and robe.
Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation gown on display.Royal Collection Trust
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- If The Shoe Fits
source: people.com
