Feature: THE BIG PICTURE - Exhibition - The Queen’s Year - Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace

THE spectacle and variety of the Royal calender are presented in The Queen’s Year, a special exhibition at the summer opening of Buckingham Palace. 

Examples of Her Majesty’s ceremonial dress and evening wear are on display alongside the magnificent centrepiece of the exhibition – the Robe of State.

The history and traditions of the Monarchy can be explored via ceremonial objects and ancient symbols of authority, and gifts given to Her Majesty by the people of the United Kingdom are on display. The Royal Maundy Service, Trooping of the Colour ceremony, State Opening of Parliament and Her Majesty’s Christmas broadcast are just some of the hundreds of duties The Queen undertakes as Head of State, Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Head of the British Armed Forces and Patron of around 600 charities. 
 

In 2009 The Queen had over 250 engagements in her official programme. 

These included meetings of the Privy Council and large-scale receptions and events for visitors including foreign dignitaries.

The Queen has had a lifelong association with equestrianism and throughout her reign has been Patron of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She has attended Royal Ascot every summer since 1945. She has had many successes in both events, and several of her trophies are included in the exhibition alongside her distinctive racing colours – a purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and a black velvet cap with gold tassel. Ten of Her Majesty’s Ascot hats from the past five decades are also on display, including one worn this year. 
 

The Queen undertakes visits to all sorts of places and events across the country. In 2009 she visited schools, museums, a hydro-electric plant, an umbrella factory, a sailing academy, the Olympic Park and a Test match. One of the objects on display in the exhibition is a model of Wallace and Gromit with fellow children’s character Morph, given to The Queen by Aadman Animations studios. There is also a Buckingham Palace Underground sign that was presented to The Queen during her visit to Aldgate East Tube Station earlier this year.
 

• The Queen’s Year is part of a visit to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace, July 27-October 1.
Advance tickets and visitor information: www.royalcollection.org.uk or 020 7766 7300.