Queen Elizabeth II brushed off rare double fashion mishap at royal party


Her late Majesty navigated two unexpected fashion moments while celebrating King Constantine II of Greece's 70th birthday in 2010


© Getty Images
Nichola Murphy
Nichola MurphyLifestyle Editor
20 minutes ago

Fashion mishaps are an unfortunate reality that even royals such as Queen Elizabeth II can't escape, even with extensive royal planning.

The late monarch was pictured leaving a birthday party while making no effort to hide not one, but two faux pas. After attending King Constantine II of Greece's 70th birthday, which was hosted at Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal's London residence in 2010, she was spotted saying her goodbyes in a pastel blue floor-length dress, which featured beading on the neckline, long sleeves and a subtle mermaid hem.

Turning to the side to warmly embrace Constantine, Elizabeth revealed what appeared to be multiple stains up the right side of her gown, perhaps caused by a spilt drink. On closer inspection of her accessories, which included a diamond bracelet and sparkling earrings, she also appeared to be struggling with her silver bag, which had a snapped chain.

Despite the unexpected mishaps, the late Queen appeared in high spirits, smiling for the cameras as she departed the evening party.

Other notable royal guests included Princess Anne, Queen Sofía and Queen Margrethe II.

Queen Elizabeth and King Constantine had a close bond, not only forged by the fact that Prince Philip was Constantine's first cousin once removed, but also because he was a godfather to Prince William.

King Constantine says goodbye to Queen Elizabeth with a kiss on the cheek© UK Press via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated King Constantine of Greece's 70th birthday
Queen Elizabeth in a blue dress holds a silver clutch with a broken chain strap© Getty Images
The late monarch was spotted with stains on her dress and a broken bag following the royal party

Following the late Queen's death on 8 September 2022, King Constantine released a public statement of condolence, writing: "A beacon of dignity and humility for the whole world."

How royal wardrobe malfunctions are avoided

Public wardrobe malfunctions were very rare throughout Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign, largely due to the meticulous precautions of senior dresser, Angela Kelly. 

Angela Kelly wearing a big blue hat and blue outfit whilst smiling at the camera© Getty
Angela Kelly shared some of the late Queen's fashion secrets

Each royal ensemble was tailored from crease-resistant textiles and discreetly fitted with weighted hems to withstand windy weather.

"The fabric has to be right for the design, but it also has to perform. If an outfit is going to be worn for several hours sitting down, the material must not crease or crush easily," Angela explained in her royal-approved book, Dressing The Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe.

Praising the monarch's fashion sense, she added: "The Queen loves clothes and is a real expert on fabrics. It’s not been a question of me teaching The Queen – it’s been the other way around."

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