Royal Tour

Published to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of the modern Commonwealth, this beautifully illustrated book includes a selection of Queen Elizabeth II's dresses and jewellery, worn on her many visits to the countries of the Commonwealth since her accession in 1952. The first Commonwealth Tour of 1953-54 encompassed 13 countries in six months, and needed a wardrobe of hundreds of outfits. For each royal visit Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies created day, afternoon and evening wear giving consideration to matters such as the national colours of the host nation, selection of fabric appropriate to the climate, and the requirements of protocol. The designers' sketches are reproduced alongside details of the finished dresses, accessories and jewellery that accompanied the state evening dresses. A selection of the remarkable gifts presented to The Queen on the tours is also illustrated, from countries including India and Pakistan, the Caribbean, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and many African countries, including Uganda, Nigeria and Tanzania.