Back in 1956, Marilyn Monroe caught attention not just for her famous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress but for another jaw-dropping outfit that set tongues wagging.
The opportunity of a lifetime presented itself to Monroe when she was invited to the Royal Command Performance at London’s Empire Theatre to meet Queen Elizabeth, as detailed in the newly released book When Marilyn Met the Queen.
Despite instructions for female attendees to dress modestly, Monroe defied convention with her choice of attire.
Clad in a gold lamé gown so revealing that it showcased the tops of her bre-sts, the dress, complete with spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline, certainly deviated from the expected royal dress code, as recounted by author Michelle Morgan.
Upon entering the theater with her husband Arthur Miller, Monroe dazzled onlookers by dramatically unveiling her striking ensemble, drawing flashes of cameras as they approached the royal line-up to meet the Queen.
After shedding her cape, Monroe confidently positioned herself to greet the monarch, who donned an elegant black gown and a diamond-and-emerald tiara.
Queen Elizabeth gave Monroe a quick once-over before engaging in conversation, during which they discussed topics like their shared neighborhood and the Queen’s fondness for Windsor.
Despite Monroe’s sartorial departure from protocol, Queen Elizabeth appeared unfazed by the daring outfit, instead commenting on the actress’s nervous demeanor that caused her to inadvertently wipe off her lipstick.
Captured footage of the encounter corroborates this observation, showing Monroe anxiously licking her lips while awaiting her turn to converse with the royal guests.
The meeting between Monroe and Queen Elizabeth, though marked by a fashion faux pas, ultimately revealed a genuine and endearing interaction between the two iconic women.
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