Why Prince George Won't Wear Prince William's Family Christening Gown

Kate Middleton and Prince William will christen Prince George in a replica of the traditional royal gown tomorrow

Kate Middleton, Prince William and the royal baby
Kate Middleton, Prince William and the royal baby
(Image credit: PA)

Kate Middleton and Prince William will christen Prince George in a replica of the traditional royal gown tomorrow

The designer of the royal christening gown has been revealed as Janet Sutherland, although Kate Middleton and Prince William will buck the trend this week by NOT dressing Prince George in the traditional garment.

With the original gown dating back to 1841, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first-born son will instead, wear an exact replica of the dress for tomorrow’s ceremony at St James’ Palace.

Although George’s gown will be a complete copy of the hand-me-down garment worn by every monarch since Edward VII, which includes Wills and his father Prince Charles, his has been made by the Queen’s trusted couturier Angela Kelly.

It’s thought that the family’s original garment is now too fragile for baby George to wear, leaving Lady Louis Windsor, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, as the last to wear it when she was christened in 2004.

Scottish seamstress Jane has gone unnamed until now, and is also known to the royals for being the daughter of a coal miner, who previously received the prestigious title, Embroiderer to the Queen. 

Kate Middleton and Prince William with Prince George

Kate Middleton and Prince William with Prince George

The white Spitalfields silk-satin gown is detailed with cap sleeves and a Honiton cotton lace overlay, and was created to resemble the dress that Queen Victoria wore for her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840.

Prince George will be christened tomorrow (23 October), just after he turns three months old, in the Chapel Royal, built by Henry VII and decorated by Hans Holbein. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct the ceremony under the watchful eye of around 60 guests.

The final countdown is officially on!

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