Wardrobe Room/Rooms

[lynda]

Does anyone have any information (pictures would be great) how these Royals store all their clothes/shoes/handbags/uniforms/gowns---etc.
Obviously this room/warehouse would have to be climate controlled and highly secure (some of these outfits are worth a fortune) and must be available and close by?

[malija]

Interessting question

And also what about the jewelry?

[TLLK]

Does anyone have any information (pictures would be great) how these Royals store all their clothes/shoes/handbags/uniforms/gowns---etc.
Obviously this room/warehouse would have to be climate controlled and highly secure (some of these outfits are worth a fortune) and must be available and close by?

This is a great question. I would imagine that it depends upon the Royal in question. Reigning monarchs and their consorts typically have many orders and medals to keep track of as well. ( I think the Duke of Edinburgh had a mishap with one of his orders being substitued for the wrong order during King Baudoin's funeral.

Someone must keep a photo journal of all those outfits in order to keep a too soon repeat happening. Though Queen Sonja's canary yellow gala gown does get a very regular work out.

[dreamlife]

It certainly is a great question. I seem to remember something about Queen Elizabeth and how she had someone who kept track of what she wore, when she wore it, and who was also at the function, all so she wouldn't end up repeating her outfits in front of the same guests. Of course some Royals don't buy, they borrow, but there would still be a lot of accessories and stuff to keep track of. I'm surprised they've never shown this in any of the behind-the-scenes looks at royalty. I wish they would, it would be so fascinating!

[lynda]

I think Diana was the first to have everything put on computer with pictures of her wearing the entire outfit (including which jewelry) to what occasion ..............

[dreamlife]

I think Diana was the first to have everything put on computer with pictures of her wearing the entire outfit (including which jewelry) to what occasion ..............

I think you're right and it was Diana and not the Queen that I was thinking of.

[fairy]

NO, actually you might be right after all:
I once heard in a documentary about QEII, that each of her outfits was stored carefully with all the necessary accessories (stockings, cloves, scarfs etc) and given a number. The Lady of the wardrobe (and her assistants) would than again carefully note the occasion on which the outfit was shown the light of day before.
I assume, it was much easier before, since with the mixing and matching it has become rather difficult. (Imagine the QueenMom mixing something... NO way, her outfit was perfect to the undies she sported (so I assume ) and she hardly ever wore a hat to a different coat or costume)

The order mishap of Prince Philipp: Well wasn't that funny?
He (or rather he and his entourage) messed up Leopold and Leopard (and made it obvious in the process that he stores his orders  alphabetically) The order of the Leopold being the Belgian order and the order of the Leopard being the (much more colourful) order of Zaire...

[CyrilSebastian]

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection   
http://www.townandcountry...al-family-fashion-archive

[Countess of Cows]

According to "The Queens Jewels" by Leslie Field (1987),  "In every royal home there are reinforced strong rooms where precious objects and jewellery can be stored.  The vault at BP is deep underground in an old air raid shelter wired up to the Palace police station.  There is a safe in each of the Queen's dressing rooms in her different home's.  These are under the jurisdiction of her dresser." (page 17)

"Varying estimates as to the extent of the collection as there is no complete inventory, either official or unofficial".  (page 17)  (gosh that's hard to believe  )

According to Fields "research of historical pieces worn or unworn ( page 17) 14 tiaras, 37 pair of earrings, 101 brooches, 58 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 6 pendants, 14 watches and 15 rings. " 
   These are the pieces handed down with unique provenance not personal pieces.

This is interesting since we hear so much about Diana's gold Cartier watch.
 "The Swiss Federal Republic presented a specially designed platinum watch to the Queen as a wedding gift.  Made by Vacheron & Constantin.  The diamond encircled round watch face is joined to a diamond-set strap with loops of diamonds.  She gave the watch to Diana as a wedding gift." (page 79) 
       It's a very delicate, thin band (think tennis bracelet) beautiful piece. I wonder what happened to it?  Was it returned to the royal collection or given to a son....inquiring minds would love to know. Now that I've seen it, I'll try to watch for it.

I'd forgotten this book, since I'm laid up I've been deep diving in my library and was delighted to find it again.