Keeping the dress in perfect condition is not difficult – and the Queen would have all the necessary wardrobe staff to look after, and care for, her clothes.
The interesting thing is the way it has been so well altered for the occasion! The Queen wore it with just straps over her shoulders: Beatrice has the addition of the organdy or organza puff sleeves with an edging that looks remarkably similar to the straps, though they were probably specifically made and embroidered to appear the same.
The ‘puff’ effect of the dress when the Queen wore it has gone and, in its place, there is a the addition of a broad band of what looks like taffeta around the edge of the skirt. As you see from the photo, Beatrice is considerably taller than the Queen so it is a clever way to increase the length of the dress to fit.
The couple responsible for the alterations were the Queen’s dresser and designer, Angela Kelly and designer Stewart Parvin. I think they did a beautiful job!!
