In October 1956, two icons of the 20th century briefly crossed paths: Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II. The occasion was the Royal Command Film Performance in London, an event that left a lasting impression on both women, though their encounter was fleeting.
Monroe, in London to film “The Prince and the Showgirl,” had eagerly anticipated meeting the young queen, despite her nerves and a bold fashion choice that defied royal expectations, Fox News reported.
Marilyn Monroe’s visit to London in 1956 was not just for professional reasons. Along with starring alongside Laurence Olivier in "The Prince and the Showgirl," Monroe had a personal goal: meeting Queen Elizabeth II. This opportunity came on October 29, 1956, during the Royal Command Film Performance at Leicester Square.
Though advised to dress conservatively for the occasion, Monroe chose to stand out. She wore a low-cut gold lamé gown, accompanied by a matching cape and gold handbag, a stark contrast to the more conservative attire worn by other guests. Her outfit quickly became a topic of discussion, drawing the attention of both the public and the queen herself.
Monroe's choice of dress reflected her determination to make an impression. According to biographer Michelle Morgan, Monroe "already had an idea of what she wanted" when it came to her appearance that night. However, this decision may have added to her nerves, which were apparent throughout the evening.
Despite her confidence in fashion, Monroe’s nerves were evident leading up to her brief encounter with the queen. Michelle Morgan, a biographer of Monroe, recounted how the star “had licked all of her lipstick off” in anticipation of the meeting, showing just how much the moment meant to her.
Monroe, accustomed to the Hollywood spotlight, was facing an entirely different kind of pressure. Meeting the queen represented a significant cultural moment, particularly for a Hollywood star like Monroe, whose public image often emphasized glamour and sensuality. The nervousness was natural given the magnitude of the event.
When the time came, Monroe did not disappoint. Despite her anxiousness, she managed to speak to the queen, albeit briefly. Monroe would later recount the interaction to the press with giddy excitement.
The brief conversation between Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II became a memorable moment for the actress. As Monroe recalled, the queen remarked on their proximity to each other. Monroe and her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, were staying at Englefield Green, not far from Windsor Castle, where the queen resided. Queen Elizabeth jokingly mentioned that they were neighbors.
Initially confused by the remark, Monroe’s surprise gave way to excitement when she realized what the queen meant. She eagerly responded, mentioning how she and her husband would ride their bicycles through Windsor Park. This seemingly mundane detail delighted Monroe, who shared the story with reporters after the event, describing her joy during the exchange.
The queen’s calm demeanor during the meeting stood in contrast to Monroe’s jitters. According to Michelle Morgan, Queen Elizabeth was familiar with Monroe's films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." However, the queen, having met countless public figures, likely wasn’t fazed by the encounter, leading Morgan to suggest that the queen "wasn't shockable in the least."
While the meeting with the queen was a highlight for Monroe, the night was not without its disappointments. Monroe was frustrated by the amount of media attention garnered by fellow actress Brigitte Bardot, who also attended the event. Bardot’s presence seemed to overshadow Monroe in the press coverage, adding an element of competition to the night.
This rivalry with Bardot, combined with Monroe’s concerns about her image, added tension to an already high-pressure event. Monroe’s competitive nature came through, as she had hoped to be the center of attention during her royal meeting.
Despite the media's focus on Bardot, Monroe’s interaction with the queen remained a personal triumph. It was the first and only time the two women met, making it a notable moment in both of their lives.
In the aftermath of the meeting, rumors circulated about Queen Elizabeth's private thoughts on Monroe. According to Michelle Morgan, the queen shared her impressions with friends at the palace, reportedly saying that she found Monroe "lovely" but felt "sorry for her."
This reaction might have stemmed from the public pressures and personal struggles Monroe was facing at the time, which were well-known in Hollywood. Monroe’s life was marked by a complicated personal history, and the queen’s empathy suggests she recognized the challenges Monroe faced beneath her glamorous exterior.
Nevertheless, the meeting remained a fond memory for Monroe, who spoke about it enthusiastically. She even invited Princess Margaret to see Arthur Miller’s play, further showcasing her eagerness to engage with the British royal family.
The brief encounter between Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II was a cultural touchstone of the 1950s, representing the intersection of Hollywood glamour and royal tradition. Though their interaction was fleeting, it remained significant for both women, albeit in different ways.
For Monroe, meeting the queen was a personal and professional milestone, an acknowledgment from one of the most powerful women in the world. For Queen Elizabeth, it was another in a long line of meetings with notable figures, yet Monroe’s star power and vulnerability made her a memorable figure.
Ultimately, this meeting symbolized the broader fascination between royalty and celebrity that has continued to captivate the public for decades. It serves as a reminder of the power of these cultural icons and the fleeting, yet impactful, moments that can arise when their worlds collide.
