 In summer 1938 , a state visit to France by the King and Queen was postponed for three weeks because of the death of the Queen 's mother , Lady Strathmore . In two weeks , Norman Hartnell created an all @-@ white trousseau for the Queen , who could not wear colours as she was still in mourning . The visit was designed to bolster Anglo @-@ French solidarity in the face of aggression from Nazi Germany . The French press praised the demeanour and charm of the royal couple during the delayed but successful visit , augmented by Hartnell 's wardrobe . 
