Worn by 62 Royal Babies: A Historic Christening Robe Unveiled

For the first time in its 185 year history, the christening robe worn by 62 royal babies, including Queen Elizabeth II, is to go on public display.

From 10 April, visitors to The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will be able to see the historic garment as part of the exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style. The appearance is thought to mark the robe’s first ever public showing, offering a rare glimpse into a deeply personal piece of royal history.

The robe was first worn in 1841 by Princess Victoria, the eldest child of Queen Victoria. Carefully preserved and passed down through generations, it went on to be worn by successive royal infants, including Princess Elizabeth in May 1926 when she was just one month old. Over nearly two centuries, it has become one of the most symbolic garments in the Royal Family’s history.

Its display is particularly moving given the location. The King’s Gallery stands on the site of the private chapel at Buckingham Palace where the future Queen Elizabeth II was christened, before the chapel was destroyed during the Blitz. Seeing the robe return to this historic setting adds a powerful layer of continuity to the exhibition.

The garment itself is a remarkable example of nineteenth century British craftsmanship. Created by Janet Sutherland, Queen Victoria’s Scottish dressmaker and Embroider to the Queen, it is made from cream Spitalfields silk from East London and overlaid with delicate Honiton lace from Devon. The same luxurious silk and lace were used for Queen Victoria’s own wedding dress, reflecting the importance placed on this ceremonial piece from the outset.

However, silk is naturally fragile. After decades of use, including 62 christenings, the robe began to show signs of wear. Areas of the fabric, particularly the central panel, had become thin over time. Although it was repaired in the 1960s, by 2004 Queen Elizabeth II decided it had grown too delicate to continue using. An exact replica was commissioned, and it has been worn at every royal christening since.

Ahead of its display, the original robe has undergone 100 hours of careful conservation by Royal Collection Trust textile conservator Cecilia Oliver. The work included meticulous repairs, subtle reinforcements to fragile sections and a gentle handwashing process carried out section by section. It is considered one of the most significant conservation projects within the exhibition.

Visitors will also be able to view a handwritten note by Queen Elizabeth II listing some of the babies who wore the robe. The tradition of recording the names began with her grandmother, Queen Mary, after the garment passed into her care from Queen Victoria. Alongside the robe, the exhibition will feature the matching bonnet, silk satin shawl, sash, bows and ribbons embroidered with national emblems that were traditionally worn for royal christenings.

The christening robe is among around 200 items from Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion archive included in the exhibition, which charts her style across ten decades and is the largest display of her clothing ever staged.

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style opens on 10 April. Adult tickets are priced at £22. In line with Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to widen access, £1 tickets are available for those receiving Universal Credit and selected other benefits. Concessions are also offered, including discounted tickets for 18 to 24 year olds.

For those interested in learning more about the robe’s conservation, textile conservator Cecilia Oliver will host a free online talk titled Slow Looking: Conservation of Queen Elizabeth II's Christening Robe on Tuesday 12 May from 13:00 to 14:00.

For royal history enthusiasts, fashion lovers and families alike, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see a treasured heirloom that has quietly witnessed nearly two centuries of royal life.