Saying it in style

We track some of Her Majesty’s most notable ensembles since her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957.

While Duchess Kate and Meghan Markle might frequently make the headlines for their fashion triumphs, when it comes to being a royal style icon, there’s another prominent figure who should not be forgotten.

The Queen might not quite be causing brands to sell out of items within hours of her being photographed in them – as Kate and Meghan often do – but she’s certainly no sartorial slouch.

And as December 25 approaches, what better way to celebrate her outfits over the years, than with a look back at some of those she’s worn for delivering her Christmas Message? 1957 Elizabeth ascended the throne when she was 25, so at 31 the 1957 Christmas speech was by no means her first.

However, this one was special as it was the first time a speech from a monarch had ever been televised, which at the time was, understandably, pretty huge.

This was still the ’50s, though, so the footage was in black and white – but we can tell you her dress was actually gold lame, a suitably festive choice.

The broadcast was carried by both the BBC and ITV, and was even more notable in that it was the 25th anniversary of the first radio message to the Commonwealth by her grandfather, King George V. 1978 Fast-forward nearly two decades and by the late ’70s the Queen was now a pro at the annual broadcast.

Unfortunately we saw no more gold lame – instead, high-necked, longsleeved dresses, typically accompanied by strings of pearls and a brooch, became a Christmas Message regular.

Although these images are black and white, the Christmas speech was actually first televised in colour in 1967. In this picture, Elizabeth is sitting next to the original microphones King George V used for the first Christmas Day radio broadcast back in 1932. 1987 If you’re familiar with the Queen’s fashion choices, you’ll know patterns aren’t really something she often turns to. That’s what makes this 1987 Christmas outfit so unusual, because she opted to experiment with prints (although, she obviously is not without her trusty pearls and brooch).

This broadcast also marked the second year running Sir David Attenborough was producer. 1999 Elizabeth went for a particularly regal shade of blue – and no prizes for guessing what jewellery she decided to accessorise with.

In this picture, you can also see the huge ring on her finger – this is the square-cut diamond and platinum engagement ring Prince Philip gave her in 1947. It was made using stones from a tiara that had belonged to Philip’s mother. 2004 Relatively speaking, 2004 wasn’t a particularly momentous year. However, the Queen’s purple marbled outfit for that year’s Christmas Message was particularly unique, so it’s worth including in the list. 2007 Most years, the Queen likes to alternate which Buckingham Palace room she delivers her speech from. In 2007, she chose what is known as the 1844 Room.

This was a momentous broadcast because it marked the 50th anniversary of her first televised Christmas Message. In the background of this photo, you can see a still from the first broadcast; we like to think her choice of lemon dress is a grown-up homage to the gold frock she wore in 1957. 2010 2010 was an unusual year because the Queen didn’t, in fact, broadcast her Christmas Message from Buckingham Palace.

Instead, she delivered her speech from the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. We imagine it was a little chilly there, judging by her purple coat. 2012 You might not know it but the Queen likes to keep abreast of cutting-edge technology.

In 2012 she broadcast her message in 3D for the first time.

In this picture you can see her watching the recording in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, alongside producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett, sporting some fetching 3D glasses. 2016 For last year’s Christmas Message, the Queen was back on familiar ground. Not only was she in the much-used Regency Room in Buckingham Palace but she was also wearing a blue outfit – one of her favourite colours.

We can only guess what colour the Queen will wear for her 2017 Christmas Message but there is one thing we’d be willing to bet on... whatever she wears, those trademark pearls and beloved brooch will take pride of place.

Pictures: PA. Many colours and styles: The Queen has had various ensembles over the years as technologies – and fashions – changed.