Elizabeth II (1926-2003)

​

Elizabeth was not born in the line of succession but following the abdication of  her uncle, Edward VIII she inherited through her father, George VI.

​

Her coronation in 1953 was an extravagant occasion, hailed by some as the beginning of a new Elizabethan age.  It was witnessed by millions on television - and this perhaps signalled the evolution of the institution to a celebrity-based culture that reached its peak with the death of Princess Diana in 1997.

​

She maintained a strict control over the 'Firm', as she called the monarchy, but with her children's scandals saw the public have less regard for the 'show business' elements.  She lived to become the longest reigning of all British monarchs.

​

The detailed hand embroidery on the gown is a work of art in itself, replicating the full-size design with perhaps 10,000 stitches.  The doll took more than 3 months to complete and represents one of the most complex projects undertaken by Lady of Finavon.