Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has been a fashion icon for decades. Over the years, she has worn countless stunning outfits to various public events and functions. However, one aspect of her style that has not been discussed much is her maternity wear. In this article, we will take a look back at Queen Elizabeth’s maternity clothes and how they reflect the changing attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood.
The Early Years
Queen Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles, in 1948, just two years after she married Prince Philip. At the time, maternity wear was not as readily available as it is today, and most women simply adapted their existing clothing to accommodate their growing bellies. Queen Elizabeth was no exception. During her first pregnancy, she was often seen wearing loose-fitting dresses and coats that hid her bump.
It wasn’t until her second pregnancy, with Princess Anne in 1950, that Queen Elizabeth started to wear more specific maternity clothing. She favored empire-line dresses with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that allowed room for her growing belly. These styles were popular at the time and were often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton and silk.
The Swinging Sixties
By the time Queen Elizabeth gave birth to her third child, Prince Andrew, in 1960, the fashion world had undergone a significant shift. The 1960s saw the rise of youth culture and the emergence of new, more daring styles. Maternity wear was no exception, and designers began to experiment with bolder prints and brighter colors.
Queen Elizabeth embraced this trend and was often seen wearing bright, cheerful outfits during her third and fourth pregnancies. She favored A-line dresses with bold patterns and bright colors, including a memorable yellow coat that she wore to the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1961.
The Seventies and Beyond
As Queen Elizabeth’s family grew, so did her fashion choices. By the time she gave birth to her fourth and final child, Prince Edward, in 1964, she had developed a signature style that was both elegant and practical. She continued to favor A-line dresses and coats, but added more tailored pieces to her wardrobe, such as blazers and skirts.
As she entered her later years, Queen Elizabeth’s style became more refined and classic. She continued to wear bright colors and bold patterns, but in more subdued tones. Her outfits were always impeccably tailored and often featured intricate details like embroidery and beading.
The Legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s Maternity Clothes
Queen Elizabeth’s maternity clothes may seem outdated by today’s standards, but they were groundbreaking at the time. She was one of the first public figures to openly show her pregnancy, and she did so with grace and style. Her fashion choices reflected the changing attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood in the mid-twentieth century, and paved the way for future generations of women.
- Queen Elizabeth’s maternity clothes helped to normalize pregnancy and motherhood in the public eye.
- Her fashion choices reflected the changing attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood in the mid-twentieth century.
- She paved the way for future generations of women to embrace their changing bodies and celebrate their pregnancies.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth’s maternity clothes may not be as well-known as her other fashion choices, but they played an important role in shaping the way we think about pregnancy and motherhood. Her grace and style during her pregnancies helped to normalize pregnancy in the public eye and paved the way for future generations of women to embrace their changing bodies. By looking back at her maternity wear, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Queen Elizabeth’s impact on the fashion world and beyond.
Tags: clothes, elizabeth, maternity, queen