Queen Elizabeth's dresses and diamonds going on display

LONDON -- Dresses and diamonds fit for a queen -- Queen Elizabeth II, to be precise -- are going on display at Buckingham Palace.

The exhibit, timed to celebrate the monarch's 80th birthday this year, opened July 26 to the public as part of the annual opening of the palace's state rooms.

The 80 outfits include evening gowns and personal jewelry worn by the queen at both formal occasions and private events from the 1940s to the present day.

Many are in vibrant colors -- from deep pinks to bright greens -- which the queen prefers. Several are by couturiers Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies, who worked for the queen for decades.

Among the most striking is a full-length coat of silver tissue designed by Hartnell, embroidered with pearls, sequins, beads, paillettes and crystals, and featuring a mink collar. It was worn by the queen on a 1972 state visit to France, and at the state opening of Parliament in 1976.

Many of the older dresses have very small waists -- a fact Marchan said the queen in later years once remarked on.

The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open to the public until Sept. 24. Details at www.royalcollection.org.uk