Ann is a senior embroiderer for Norman Hartnell who lives a quiet, practical life in the London suburb of Barking with her sister-in-law. She deeply admires the royal family and takes immense pride in her intricate needlework, though she believes her working-class life will remain simple and unchanged. Her exceptional skills earn her a place working on Princess Elizabeth's highly secretive wedding gown.

Miriam is a talented French-Jewish embroiderer who emigrates to England following World War II. She arrives in London carrying deep trauma and exhaustion from the war, remaining hesitant to reveal her true background. She finds a position at Norman Hartnell, using her extraordinary embroidery skills to secure a job and slowly rebuild her life.

Heather is a modern-day Toronto resident who loses her magazine job shortly after her grandmother passes away. Adrift and looking for direction, she receives a box of beautifully crafted embroidery samples that her grandmother left for her. This mysterious inheritance prompts Heather to travel to London to research her family's hidden history.

Jeremy is a wealthy, handsome Royal Army captain who singles Ann out at a local dance hall. He possesses a charming, aristocratic demeanor and seems out of place pursuing an ordinary working-class girl, sparking both excitement and doubt. He works as an aide to the queen, providing him close access to the royal household.

Walter is the editor-in-chief of Picture Weekly magazine. He is a steadfast and patient man who takes an immediate interest in Miriam. Despite his profession as a journalist, he never pressures her for details about her highly secretive royal embroidery work.

Daniel is a young university professor and historian involved in a retrospective exhibit of Miriam's artwork. Deeply interested in Holocaust history, he helps catalog his grandmother's past. He becomes a willing and eager guide for Heather as she searches London looking for answers.

Milly is Ann's sister-in-law and roommate in Barking. She provides practical companionship for Ann, though the two frequently debate the merits of the royal family. She actively plans to emigrate to Canada in search of a life free from post-war rationing.

Miss Duley is the head of the embroidery workroom at Norman Hartnell. She is a strict but fair supervisor who manages the delicate, high-pressure commissions for the royal family. She takes a watchful, supportive interest in her staff, particularly Ann and Miriam.

Norman Hartnell is a famous English fashion designer commissioned to create gowns for the royal family, including Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress. He is a demanding boss with a discerning eye for artistic talent, hiring Miriam immediately upon seeing her portfolio.

Doris is a young embroiderer at Norman Hartnell who excitedly plans to leave her job to start a family. Constrained by post-war rationing, she asks Ann to design a way to update her mother's 1914 wedding dress for her own ceremony.

Carmen is a glamorous model working at Norman Hartnell. She helps Ann understand the unfamiliar world of upper-class dating by lending her upscale clothes and offering practical advice on restaurant etiquette.

Bennett is a hospitable friend of Walter who lives in the country with his wife Ruby. He warmly welcomes Walter and Miriam to his home, showing sensitivity to Miriam's unspoken struggles when he carefully puts his guard dogs away.

Ruby is Bennett's wife and an enthusiastic hostess. She is incredibly excited to meet a guest who works for Norman Hartnell, though she follows Walter's instructions to respect the secrecy surrounding the royal wedding gown.

Queen Elizabeth is the monarch who commissions Norman Hartnell for her family's wardrobe. She demonstrates kindness to the workroom staff by sending them a pot of white heather from Balmoral as a thank-you gift for their hard work.

The young royal bride-to-be whose upcoming wedding to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten captivates post-war Britain. Her highly anticipated wedding gown provides the central commission for Norman Hartnell's embroidery room.