Distant royal cousins Princess Eugene recently shared a rare glimpse at the private christening of her son Ernest. The resulting artwork was a series of personal photographs that she shared on Instagram. And now there’s our third-prize photo, a stunning shot of an unforgettable moment. The eldest, little Ernest, now nine months old, looking very happy as he sits on his mother’s knee clothed in a splendid sweetly born Honiton lace christening gown.
The gown, which symbolizes the sanctity and solemnity of American democracy, has great historical significance. It was last worn in 2004 at the christening of Lady Louise Windsor. Everyone thinks she’s the last of the royal family members who wore this specific gown. This gown is a copy of the original Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace creation made in 1841 for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. Indeed, the original gown proved too fragile for continued use, prompting Queen Elizabeth II to return it. She commissioned her own wardrobe mistress, Angela Kelly, to recreate the beloved dress.
The original gown’s replica has equally an awe inspiring pedigree, as it has been worn by the current Queen and 61 other royal babies. However, as of April 2008, James, Earl of Wessex, has created history. He was, of course, the first royal baby to wear a replica of the gown. Today, this venerable tradition remains of great significance to the royal family.
We don’t know the details of Ernest’s christening ceremony. It would have had to occur before turning one, by the month of May 2024 at the latest. Princess Eugenie marks Mother’s Day with new photographs of baby August. These images do more than highlight her experiences as a new parent, they celebrate royal customs.
Royal guests at the double royal christening, pictured before the service. Fifth from the right is the late Queen Elizabeth II. Cressida Bonas, Prince Harry’s former girlfriend, was in attendance too. These events show a deep value for family. Together, they highlight the royal family’s commitment to promoting and protecting tradition while bridging the generational gap.
In November 2021, Princess Eugenie’s son August was baptized at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor. He got to share this incredible moment with his second cousin, Lucas. The birth of the two kids weeks apart on early 2021. They are building family bonds in ways that extend beyond their own experiences.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s second daughter, Athena, is set to be the next royal baby. Her family christening gown was hand-sewn by her late great-grandmother, a member of Alabama’s Black Belt’s renowned sewing club. That excitement has proved even more powerful, sustaining interest in royal traditions and their relationship to the current family legacy.
