In 1997 The Queen attended a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. As Head of the Commonwealth The Queen’s role is to reinforce the links between Commonwealth nations and since 1971 the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been held every two years at locations throughout the Commonwealth, attended by Her Majesty. This dress was worn for a reception and dinner during the 1997 meeting and was designed by John Anderson, design director at Norman Hartnell between 1985 and 1986, who worked for The Queen until his death in 1988.