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Prince Louis to become the eighth royal baby to wear the Honiton christening gown

Prince Louis will wear the same christening gown his elder siblings donned on their big day [Photo: Getty]
Prince Louis will wear the same christening gown his elder siblings donned on their big day [Photo: Getty]

This afternoon, Prince Louis of Cambridge will be christened at the Royal Chapel in St James’ Palace and will become the eighth royal to don the Honiton gown.

What is the Honiton christening gown?

The frilled satin dress is a replica of the baptism garment first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, also named Victoria, back in 1841.

Since then, the christening gown has become a cultural marker in the regal history books as it has been worn by 62 royals in total including Princes Harry and William.

Five monarchs have worn the dress on their big day from King Edward VII to George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Harry wore the original royal christening gown on 21 December 1984 [Photo: PA]
Prince Harry wore the original royal christening gown on 21 December 1984 [Photo: PA]

The last member of the family to wear the lace number was Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, at her 2004 christening.

Princess Eugenie also wore the Honiton gown on 23 December 1990 [Photo: PA]
Princess Eugenie also wore the Honiton gown on 23 December 1990 [Photo: PA]

According to reports, Queen Elizabeth II then asked her personal dresser Angela Kelly for a replica of the gown to be made.

In a bid to create a garment as close to the original as possible, it is believed that Kelly collaborated with craftsmen in Britain and Italy on the project.

Which members of the royal family have worn the replica gown?

The first member of the royal family to wear the replica gown was Lady Louise of Windsor’s younger brother, James, Viscount Servern, back in 2008.

Prince George wore the replica gown at his christening on 23 October 2013 at St James’ Palace [Photo: Getty]
Prince George wore the replica gown at his christening on 23 October 2013 at St James’ Palace [Photo: Getty]

The imitation has since been worn by Mike and Zara Tindall’s eldest daughter Mia, Savanna and Isla Philips and Lord Frederick Windsor’s daughter Maud.

Prince Louis’ elder siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, have also worn the garment.

Princess Charlotte also wore the Honiton replica gown for her christening on 5 July 2015 at the Church of St Mary Magdalene [Photo: Getty]
Princess Charlotte also wore the Honiton replica gown for her christening on 5 July 2015 at the Church of St Mary Magdalene [Photo: Getty]

In keeping with royal tradition, the water used for Louis’ christening will be sourced from the River Jordan.

Prince Louis’ 40-minute christening service is set be a small family affair though Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh will not be in attendance. The royal pair both attended Prince George’s 2013 christening and Princess Charlotte’s service back in 2015.

They have not given a reason for their absence.

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