![Queen Elizabeth II attends a state dinner in Washington, 1976](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth01.jpg?resize=1660%2C1212&ssl=1)
Our tour of the Queen’s colorful evening gowns lands in 1976 today, when she and the Duke of Edinburgh made an important royal visit to the White House in Washington, D.C.
![President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford Standing With Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Great Britain on the South Portico of the White House Prior to a State Dinner Honoring Her Majesty and Prince Philip](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth02.jpg?resize=1200%2C1046&ssl=1)
The Queen’s visit was timed to coincide with the celebration of America’s bicentennial. On July 7, 1976, the Queen and Prince Philip were feted with a state dinner at the White House. President and Mrs. Ford were their hosts for the event, which was held under a tent in the Rose Garden. The Queen wore a bright yellow chiffon gown for the evening. The dress featured fluttery sleeves and sparkling embroidery. The sash and star of the Order of the Garter, plus the Royal Family Orders of her father and grandfather, were also pinned to the dress.
![This photograph depicts President Gerald Ford and guests in the center and right of image. A piano sits in the left foreground. Comedian Bob Hope is standing behind and left of piano, gesturing and speaking into microphone, during his monologue for the entertainment portion of the State Dinner held in honor of the Queen of England](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth05.jpg?resize=1200%2C807&ssl=1)
The evening’s entertainment, held inside the White House, was emceed by none other than Bob Hope.
![First Lady Betty Ford and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain Greeting Baseball Player Willie Mays in the Receiving Line on the South Driveway of the White House Prior to a State Dinner Honoring Her Majesty and Prince Philip](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth03.jpg?resize=1200%2C774&ssl=1)
The Queen’s bright gown and sparkling jewels helped her stand out amid a sea of high-profile guests. Here, she and Mrs. Ford greet the famous baseball player Willie Mays.
![Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain Greeting Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, in the Receiving Line on the South Driveway of the White House Prior to a State Dinner Honoring Her Majesty and Prince Philip](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth04.jpg?resize=1200%2C1709&ssl=1)
And here, the Queen chats with another important historical figure: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt.
![Photograph of President Gerald Ford dancing with Queen Elizabeth II during a State Dinner held in her honor](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0929-elizabeth06.jpg?resize=1200%2C935&ssl=1)
The Queen’s diamonds glittered as she and President Ford took a turn around the dance floor. For the event, she wore Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik, plus the Greville Chandelier Earrings and her Diamond Festoon Necklace.
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