Christening robe worn by 62 royal babies to be displayed for the first time
The 185-year-old robe is made of cream Spitalfields silk from east London and overlaid with fine Honiton lace made in Devon
Last updated 17 hours ago
A christening gown worn by 62 royal babies, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, is to go on be display for the first time.
Part of the "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style" exhibition, the robe will be showcased at The King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace from 10th April to 18th October 2026.
Created 185 years ago, the gown made of cream Spitalfields silk overlaid with fine Honiton lace made in Devon was first worn by Princess Victoria in 1841.
Generations of royal babies, including Prince Charles - now the King, and Princes William and Harry, were dressed in the robe.
Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, wore the robe for her christening in May 1926 at just one month old.
Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said: "The christening robe was the most significant garment worn by Princess Elizabeth in her infancy and is an exceptional example of British craftsmanship - something Queen Elizabeth went on to champion throughout her life.
"As the earliest piece of clothing worn by the Queen, and by so many royal babies before and after her, it holds a special place in her wardrobe.
"We are delighted to be able to share it with as many people as possible in this centenary year."
Textile conservationists, have dedicated 100 hours to restoring the gown in preparation for the exhibition.
Cecilia Oliver, who worked on the repairs, said: "The robe has been lovingly cared for over the generations - we even found a note on its box instructing that it be washed in natural spring water after use, which helps explain its remarkable condition despite such frequent use.
"However, after 185 years and 62 christenings, it was in need of conservation."
An exact replica was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth in 2004 after the gown became fragile.
This has been worn at royal christenings ever since including by the Prince and Princess of Wales's children.
Visitors to the exhibition will see the original robe alongside a handwritten note by Queen Elizabeth recording the babies who wore it, a tradition started by her grandmother Queen Mary.
And on display will be the bonnet, silk satin shawl, sash, bows and ribbons embroidered with national emblems which were also traditionally worn for christenings.