The gown received regular conservation after 2004, underscoring its significance to the Royal Collection and leading to a major preservation effort that enhanced its presentation.

Conservation work totaling about 100 hours was carried out by textile conservator Cecilia Oliver, who noted the gown’s excellent condition thanks to careful care, and highlighted a box note recommending washing in natural spring water after use.

The gown is crafted from Honiton lace and Spitalfields silk by Janet Sutherland, Queen Victoria’s Scottish dressmaker, using materials shared with Victoria’s wedding dress.

Tickets for the exhibition go on sale with an opening date in mid-April; adult tickets are £22, while Universal Credit and certain benefits recipients can access £1 tickets, plus additional concessions for 18–24-year-olds.

The exhibition opens on 10 April with general admission priced at £22, and discounted £1 tickets for eligible benefit recipients, alongside further concessions for younger visitors.

The robe’s long history—from its first wearer to its last use in 2004—highlights ongoing royal fashion preservation, with related displays also accessible to Scottish visitors at Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

The exhibition will feature reflections from designers such as Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane, contributing to the centenary publication Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style outlining her influence on fashion across decades.

The gown, originally made from cream Spitalfields silk with Honiton lace, was repaired in the 1960s; Elizabeth II ceased using it in 2004 due to fragility, and an exact replica using Honiton lace was later created by Angela Kelly.

The 185-year-old christening robe worn by 62 royal babies, including the future Queen Elizabeth II in 1926, will go on display for the first time as part of The Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

Tickets to view the exhibition, including the royal robe, can be purchased through the Royal Collection Trust.

Additional events include Slow Looking: Conservation of Queen Elizabeth II’s Christening Robe on 12 May, featuring a free online talk with conservator Cecilia Oliver.

A related Slow Looking event on 12 May offers a free online talk and guided slow looking exercise led by Cecilia Oliver.