Princess Charlotte has arrived! And the 2-month-old tot looked totally divine in her ivory christening gown, which her big brother Prince George wore to his christening a year and a half ago.
Princess Charlotte arrived at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham at 4:19 p.m., pushed in a pram by her mother, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Her father, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, walked next to them, holding Prince George’s hand.
Princess Charlotte looked stunning in her gown, which has eight generations of royal history. It is an exact replica of the beautiful garment worn by Queen Victoria’s firstborn, Victoria, Princess Royal, in 1841. Since then, and until 2004, all royal babies were baptized in the same outfit, including the Queen, Prince Charles, Princess Charlotte’s dad Prince William, and her uncle, Prince Harry.
In 2004, Queen Elizabeth decided that the gown, which was crafted from layers of delicate, hand-made Honiton lace and ivory satin, had become too delicate to use, so she commissioned an exact replica to be made by her personal dresser, Angela Kelly.
A team of seamstresses set to work in Buckingham palace, recreating all the intricate details including a high collar and an abundance of bows. It was first used at the christening of James, Viscount Severn, son of Prince Edward, in 2008.
More recently, Princess Charlotte’s adorable brother Prince George was seen wearing it at his christening at St. James’ Palace in October 2013.
Additional reporting by Ellie Flynn.