Upon the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria instantly flung herself into a deep state of mourning, beginning her forty year stint of only wearing black. Prior to Albert’s death, Queen Victoria had always taken a keen interest in fashion. Whilst wearing black limited her choice in decorative fabrics, Victoria made sure that her mourning clothes remained an eye catching statement of her role as monarch.
Dating from around 1860-1870, this bodice is believed to be the earliest known survival from Queen Victoria’s wardrobe during her time as a widow. Following Victorian mourning protocol, the bodice is made out of black silk, with panels of contrasting matte crepe decorating the front, hem and sleeves of the garment. Parts of the crepe have been trimmed with black and silver brading, which glistens as it catches the light. In addition to this, the base of the bodice has been decorated with chenille tassels. Like all of Queen Victoria’s mourning clothes, the bodice also has small pockets on the waistline.
Today the bodice is in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Hampton Court and was last displayed in 2025 as part of the ‘Dress Codes’ exhibition at Kensington Palace.
© Queen.Victoria.Roses 2026
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