Conclusions

With Queen Elizabeth II, there is a transition to a symbolic form of power that is more removed from politics than previous monarchs. Unlike the previous Queens, Elizabeth takes a more subtle approach to her dress that is sensitive to the conditions of the English population during WWII. During a time in which household supplies were nearly unattainable, it would have been highly sensitive and criticized if she had flaunted visible expensive and lavish clothing. Moreover, in this image there is evidence of power in tradition. For instance, it was highly prohibited that unmarried women in the Royal Family wore tiaras, crowns, and opulent jewels. These luxuries were reserved for married women who wore these accessories as a sign of status and security in marriage. In a sense, Queen Elizabeth II displays a sense of powerlessness in her neutral dress. She is only seven-teen years old in the image and has yet to adopt major responsibilities. There is evidence that plain dress communicates a commitment to the church. The church serves as a power resource and holds significance in its institutionalization and systemic power over the Royal Family. Also along the lines of tradition is the three stranded pearls Elizabeth is wearing, which were gifted by her father King Edward III following a tradition started by Queen Victoria. In this image, Queen Elizabeth II is demonstrating the power of her lineage rather than her personal power, as she had not yet been granted any significant political power of her own.