How the Queen's quirky teenage outfit caught a young Prince Philip's eye

The Queen wore unconventional attire in the early stages of her courtship with Prince Philip

young queen elizabeth and prince philip
(Image credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The Queen entertained Prince Philip in an unconventional outfit at the beginning of their courtship, ditching her traditional dresses for a boyish ensemble. 


A majestic outfit worn by the Queen during the early stages of her romance with Prince Philip has been revealed—and no, it's not a sparkly ballgown. 

Princess Elizabeth had all eyes on her during her portrayal of Aladdin in 1943, taking to the stage of Windsor Castle's Waterloo Chamber in a gold brocade and turquoise jacket with turquoise dungarees and a matching hat. To complete the 'boyish' look, she styled her hair in an updo and wore opaque tights (which used to also be worn by young men!) 

The folklore play was just one of many royal pantomimes to feature the future Queen, who spent much of World War II sheltering from the London bombings at the Berkshire country estate. It was enjoyed by an audience of 400 people, one of whom happened to be Prince Philip of Greece. 

Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II, centre) and Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002), in costume for a royal pantomime production of 'Aladdin' at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, Great Britain, 15th December 1943. The princesses star as Aladdin and Princess Roxana, respectively.

Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II, centre) and Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002), in costume for a royal pantomime production of 'Aladdin' at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, Great Britain, 15th December 1943. The princesses star as Aladdin and Princess Roxana, respectively. 

(Image credit: Getty)

The 22-year-old Navy lieutenant had been corresponding with Elizabeth for four years by that point and was understandably eager to support her creative endeavors. His presence in the pews didn't go unnoticed by the 17-year-old royal, who was reportedly smitten with Philip's 'Viking' good looks. 

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947

(Image credit: Getty)

"The pantomime went off very well," the Queen's former governess, Marion Crawford, recalled. "I have never known Lilibet more animated. There was a sparkle about her none of us had ever seen before." She even expressed her excitement to the Scottish tutor backstage, gushing, "Who do you think is coming to see us act, Crawfie? Philip!" 

Princess Margaret also starred in the productions alongside her older sister. For her role as ‘Princess Roxana’ in Aladdin, she donned a red silk dress and matching jacket, pearls, and a decorative fan. 

The cast of these amateur plays, which raised money for knitting wool to make comforters for WWII troops, also included actors from commoner families. Local children often joined the sisters on stage, with the service personnel occasionally helping out too. However, lead parts were always granted to Elizabeth and Margaret, no matter how talented the other kids were. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.