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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Courtney Pochin

Vivienne Westwood went knickerless to get OBE from palace - and it 'amused the Queen'

Fans of the iconic British fashion star Vivienne Westwood have been mourning her loss, after she died yesterday, surrounded by family, aged 81.

As well as being known for creating fabulously punk clothes, Westwood was also a risk-taker and an activist who loudly supported a number of social and political initiatives throughout her life.

One risk in particular that the designer took back in 1992 has captured people's attention following her death, as people have branded it "absolutely iconic".

We're talking of course about the time Westwood received an OBE from the Queen for her services to fashion. She headed down to meet with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace to receive her honours in a chic grey suit.

She did a twirl for photographers... (PA)
Westwood returned to the palace in 2006 to receive a damehood (AFP via Getty Images)

The outfit, unsurprisingly, had a secret punk twist - Westwood had decided to go commando for the occasion and wasn't wearing and knickers underneath the long skirt.

This would have remained a secret, had she not decided to do a twirl for photographers after collecting her medal.

Westwood ended up flashing the photographers in the grounds of the palace and claimed the Queen was 'amused' by the images that later emerged.

"I wished to show off my outfit by twirling the skirt. It did not occur to me that, as the photographers were practically on their knees, the result would be more glamorous than I expected," the designer said.

"I heard that the picture amused the Queen," she added.

In 2006 Westwood returned to Buckingham Palace once more, but this time to receive a damehood from the Queen.

She wore a black dress and hat for the occasion and is said to have once again been going commando. However, she declined to twirl this time, saying: "Don't ask. It's the same answer. I don't wear them with dresses. When I'm wearing trousers I might - my husband's silk boxers."

The original incident has gone viral on Twitter following Westwood's passing, with many people praising the late star and branding the moment "iconic".

One person said: "An even bigger heart shape space is made in my heart for Vivienne Westwood. Collecting her OBE knickerless. She really is a national treasure."

While another wrote: "I just found out Vivienne Westwood commando mooned the paparazzi when she went to see the Queen and I will never be that cool."

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