Royal Insight Forum

QuoteA ball gown worn by the then Princess Elizabeth and gifted to a telephone operator is now to be auctioned. 

The dress designed by influential fashion designer Norman Hartnell, the respected and official Royal Family clothier, is set to make a minimum of £25,000.

Speaking to a 1961 issue of Woman's Own which featured the beautiful gown, Kathleen Ward, who worked at Buckingham Palace for six years, gives an extraordinary insight into the royal family before the coronation of the monarch.

In 1949, 18-year-old Kathleen applied for a job at Clarence House - the new home of the Princess and the Duke of Edinburgh.  A few weeks after starting, Kathleen found herself sat in front of the future Queen, who was wearing a pale green wool dress, in her sitting room.

More: The Queen's ball gown to be auctioned for at least £25k | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2748984/Royal-seal-approval-A-ball-gown-worn-Queen-given-staff-member-auctioned-25-000.html)