The late Queen Mother’s wedding dress has arrived at Glamis Castle by special delivery from Buckingham Palace for its first public display in Scotland.
Glamis was the Queen Mother’s childhood home and the castle will display the dress on Saturday, for only the second time since it was worn in 1923.
Textile conservator Deborah Phipps arrived with the dress and ensured that it was displayed with the utmost care and attention.
The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, great-nephew of the Queen Mother, said he was “delighted that the Queen had agreed to his request to display her mother’s wedding dress at Glamis Castle as it has only been displayed once before and that was at Kensington Palace in 2009.”
A mannequin last used at Kensington has also been restored for use at Glamis.
The Queen Mother’s wedding dress will go on display as part of the Historic Wedding Exhibition, which opened on April 29.
Two other dresses are on display those of Mary Eleanor Bowes, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne in the 18th century, and Betty Cator, one of the Queen Mother’s bridesmaids. Betty married Michael Bowes Lyon, the Queen Mother’s elder brother.
Castle administrator David Broadfoot said, “Staff are over the moon that the Queen Mother’s wedding dress has come to Glamis, and, for the first time since 1923, it is displayed alongside one of her bridesmaid’s dresses.
“The season has started off with very encouraging visitor figures, the sunshine and public holidays have definitely helped, and with the Prom back on the event calendar we are optimistic that the summer will be successful.”
Other items include:The wedding programme and menu from the Queen Mother and King George’s wedding in 1923 A brooch given to each bridesmaid by the royal couple, a York rose carved from crystal with a crowned EA in diamonds The Illuminated Address From The County Of Angus, a book given to the Queen Mother by the county of Angus, with handwritten wishes from J.M. Barrie The signature page from the visitors’ book, signed by the royal bride and groom Personal photographs and dance cards from Strathmore family weddings.