Colorful costumes, extravagant hats, sumptuous jewellery… Queen Elizabeth, who died on Thursday at the age of 96, was famous for her remarkable outfits. But did you know that some of them, through the choice of a color, an accessory or a detail, were a detour for the sovereign to express herself? To express her opinion on certain issues that required her impartiality, or to reinforce her comments, even to reveal her feelings, but with her modesty? Go back in images about the queen’s looks that contain, a priori, a hidden message.
• The Brexit hat
Queen Elizabeth II gave a keynote speech at Parliament in June 2017. For the occasion, she wears a blue hat with flowers, the center of which is yellow. Colors and format reminiscent of the European flag. Many observers have assumed a nod to Brexit. However, Queen Elizabeth II is subject to a constitutional duty of neutrality in political matters, her role being purely symbolic of hers.
• For Trump, a recycled outfit
July 13, 2018, Windsor. The Queen meets Donald Trump and wears the same lavender blue suit that day as during her opening speech to Parliament quoted above. A rare fact, Elizabeth II only “recycles” her outfits on rare occasions. Has this ensemble become protest attire and is the Queen wearing it to mark her disagreement with Trump’s policies? Is this blue coat a nod to the Democrats, whose color is it?
• A tiara against “evil”
The House of Garrard jewelery house has created a ruby and diamond tiara for the Queen, given to the sovereign by the people of Burma as a wedding present. The jeweler indicated that this tiara “was intended to be a symbol of protection against disease and evil.” Ironic, therefore, that it was this jewel that the queen chose to wear for her meeting with Trump in June 2019.
• The green dress of hope against the pandemic
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II addresses the nation during a rare television intervention. For the occasion she wears an emerald green dress and a diamond and turquoise brooch. The green tone symbolizes growth and renewal, as if to give hope to the population. Her brooch is a family heirloom: a gift from Queen Mary upon her death in 1953. Historically, this brooch is said to represent the protection and empowerment of leadership powers.
• Your pin for Philip’s funeral
During the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, on April 17, 2021, the sovereign appears dressed in black, a brooch on her coat. The jewel is a “Richmond Brooch”, which belonged to Queen Mary, grandmother of Queen Elizabeth. This object was worn by Elizabeth II during her honeymoon with Prince Philip. A beautiful way to pay tribute to her late husband, with a room full of nostalgia.
Source: BFM TV
