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Royal Christening Robe

Posted by Karen on March 2, 2026, 1:26 pm

Re: Royal Christening Robe

Posted by Martha on March 4, 2026, 8:26 am, in reply to "Royal Christening Robe"

It's a beautiful little gown with so much history attached to it. The damage was inevitable, but I'm glad the conservators are doing everything they can to preserve it. What will happen to it when there is nothing more to be done and it's just shreds and threads? Will the remnants be sewn into the seams of another christening gown? Maybe as the "something old" for a future wedding gown?

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Re: Royal Christening Robe

Posted by Karen on March 4, 2026, 1:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Royal Christening Robe"

A replica of the gown has been made and has been used in recent Royal Christenings. As to the original it will be well looked after and be placed in a clean, dry, dark place and make it is accessible for regular inspection. The Royal Collection have garments dating back to the 18th Century still in reasonable condition.

Re: Royal Christening Robe

Posted by Hollie24 on March 4, 2026, 1:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Royal Christening Robe"

IIRC Angela Kelly did the replacement gown. I say replacement because it is a bit different--understandably--from the original gown. It is equally beautiful, in my opinion. The work being done to preserve the original is absolutely incredible, but I couldn't help but think of all the leaky babies who wore it! Hopefully there were enough under layers to have protected all the delicate lace and silk from babies doing what babies do.

Re: Royal Christening Robe

Posted by karenl on March 5, 2026, 9:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Royal Christening Robe"

Textile restoration is so fascinating, I'm so glad there are still such talented individuals to preserve these valuable pieces.

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