LONDON • On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth II turned up in a duck egg blue skirt suit, paired with a black handbag, black gloves and sensible shoes.

She then sat alongside fashion matriarch Anna Wintour in the front row in her first visit to London Fashion Week.

The occasion was a show by young British designer Richard Quinn, whom she later presented with the inaugural Elizabeth II Fashion Award, which will be given annually to a new talent in the sector.

"As a tribute to the industry and as my legacy to all those who have contributed to British fashion, I would like to present this award for new, young talent," she said.

"From the tweed of the Hebrides to Nottingham lace, and of course Carnaby Street, our fashion industry has been renowned for outstanding craftsmanship for many years and continues to produce world-class textiles and cutting-edge, practical designs," she added.

Quinn described the occasion as "a bit surreal", adding that he would like to dress future royal family member Meghan Markle, who will marry Prince Harry in May.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE