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Dressing the Queen
  • Published: 11 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9781784745332
  • Imprint: Chatto & Windus
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $75.00

Dressing the Queen

Two Hundred Years of Makers and Monarchy

Formats & editions
Hardback
11 Aug 2026
EBook
2 Apr 2026
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Royal laundresses, corset-makers and professional feather curlers: the hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day

'A truly wonderful and fascinating book!' Lady Anne Glenconner

The hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day.

From tours and walkabouts to the dazzling spectacle of a wedding or Coronation, the clothes worn by royal women have always been a fascination. Starting with Queen Victoria and moving to the modern Elizabethan age, DRESSING THE QUEEN shows the incredible craftmanship and painstaking effort that go into the making of what is known as the ‘Royal Wardrobe’, from handmade boots to Crown Jewels; country tweeds to delicate stockings.

Dress historian Kate Strasdin reveals a tribe of previously unsung women and men. Some may be more renowned – such as designer Norman Hartnell or suitcase-maker Louis Vuitton – but most are ordinary, highly talented working people from across the British Isles. From rural straw plaiters to wartime coat-makers and refugee glovers, their skilled labour is a vital part of our country’s history.

As we see modern princesses sally forth in fantastically arranged ensembles, we can think again of the vanishing trades that once employed millions – and still remain integral to royal life today.

‘A fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers behind all the glitter of royalty’ Daisy Goodwin
'A must for fans of royal and fashion history’ Tracy Borman
  • Published: 11 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9781784745332
  • Imprint: Chatto & Windus
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $75.00
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About the author

Kate Strasdin

Kate Strasdin is a dress historian who has been fascinated by old clothes since she was a child. She is a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University and is a freelance consultant for dress and textile exhibitions. Her previous book, The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes unlocked the secrets of a previously unknown Victorian woman’s wardrobe. She lives in Devon with her husband and two children.
KS

Also by Kate Strasdin

The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes
See all

Praise for Dressing the Queen

‘Rescuing so many extraordinarily skilled men and women from anonymity, Dressing the Queen is a labour of love and a fascinating testament to the sheer allure of luxury clothing’

Alison Light, author of Common People

‘If what we mean by "sovereign" sometimes eludes words, we know it when we see it. In Dressing the Queen, Kate Strasdin shows us what it takes to dress a queen and why it is done. Sacrifice and splendour; the royal body and the dressmakers' sore bodies, eyes and fingers, this is the world of soft, or 'not so soft' power. With great affection, respect and knowledge Kate Strasdin celebrates the hidden world in which hundreds of people of immense skill and dedication work tirelessly to create stunning visual images of monarchy’

Sarah Fraser, author of The Prince Who Would be King

‘A fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers behind all the glitter of royalty. An amazing piece of social history’

Daisy Goodwin, author of Diva and creator of Victoria (ITV/PBS)

'As meticulously crafted as a court dress, this endlessly fascinating book shines a light on the unsung heroes of the queen's wardrobe. A must for fans of royal and fashion history’

Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth's Women

'Very clever and interesting ... I enjoyed the book enormously, such a good idea to focus on the talented people who made and looked after the beautiful clothes, shoes and bags for various Queens. A truly wonderful and fascinating book!'

Lady Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting