Christening of Viscount Severn at Windsor: April 19, 2008

[RoyalProtocol]

Below is the press release from The Palace about the Christening of Lord Severn.

Buckingham Palace press releases
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHRISTENING OF VISCOUNT SEVERN

15 April 2008

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

The Christening of Viscount Severn will take place at the private chapel at Windsor on 19 April 2008.
Notes for Editors:
This is a private Christening. However, one official photograph, taken by Mr John Swannell, will be released to the media via Camera Press.
The Christening Gown worn by Viscount Severn is a hand-made replica of Queen Victoria's daughter's Christening Gown, which was worn at subsequent Royal Christenings and has now been preserved. It is the first time this gown has been worn by a member of the Royal Family and was commissioned by The Queen.

[msleiman]

why is there now a replica of the Christening Gown? I think that all the other royal babies worn the real gown, why the change now?

[iowabelle]

Would Louise have been the last royal baby to wear the christening gown?

Maybe the original just became too fragile to be worn anymore. My mom's family has one that's over 120 years old and it's pretty delicate, although our family probably made it from a less desirable fabric since they were pretty poor.

Any word on godparents?

[Warren]

Assuming the original gown was worn by Vicky in 1840/41 it would now be almost 170 years old. Delicate fabrics don't last forever and have to be "retired" at some stage. If the new gown is to be the start of a new royal christening tradition then Lord Severn will have the honour of being the first to wear it.

ETA.. thanks to RoyalProtocol for bringing us the news.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by msleiman

why is there now a replica of the Christening Gown? I think that all the other royal babies worn the real gown, why the change now?

As the gown was made in 1840 it could be that the lace on it is now to frail and it would not be good for the gown if it used to often.

[Claire]

Originally Posted by iowabelle

Would Louise have been the last royal baby to wear the christening gown?

No Xan and the youngest Kent also wore it. Sorry to say I sad to see it go.

[princess leonor]

Was the christening of his sister also a private matter after which only 1 picture was released?

[Claire]

Yep, same photographer and agency too.

[Rebafan81]

I wonder if it will be a family portrait which will include Louise. I hope so.....

[Claire]

The verict out on that. We are getting one photo probably the official stuffy one. It should be noted that none of Edward's siblings were at his christening, nor were they are Andrew's.
It is just that there is going to be a terribly sad empty chair there next to Chris Rhys-Jones, that I feel would be fitting and appropriately filled by Louise.

[CATS]

Originally Posted by Claire

The verict out on that. We are getting one photo probably the official stuffy one. It should be noted that none of Edward's siblings were at his christening, nor were they are Andrew's.
It is just that there is going to be a terribly sad empty chair there next to Chris Rhys-Jones, that I feel would be fitting and appropriately filled by Louise.

I asume your refurring the to thier children's baptism, with Andrew's children they were all there, as they were both baptised at public church services, and there were pictures outside the church.

With Louise we don't know who all attanded as it was privite and only the Godparents, grandparents, and parents. were in the pictured.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by CATS

I asume your refurring the to thier children's baptism, with Andrew's children they were all there, as they were both baptised at public church services, and there were pictures outside the church.

With Louise we don't know who all attanded as it was privite and only the Godparents, grandparents, and parents. were in the pictured.

I believe the christening of Beatrice was no public service. But it took place at the Chapel Royal of St. James Palace so one could see all the Royals arriving and leaving, unlike the christening of William, Harry and Peter and Zara who all took place at Buckingham Palace.

[PrincessofEurope]

Originally Posted by Claire

No Xan and the youngest Kent also wore it. Sorry to say I sad to see it go.

how do we know that they wore the original gown??

maybe the original gown will be preserved for the heir to the throne only so then William's children could use it. James isnt of any real royal importance ie he wont do any public duties therefore maybe it has been decided that a second gown can be used for lesser royals

[Claire]

Actually I was talking about Prince Edward and Prince Andrew's own christenings, not their children.

[sirhon11234]

I always wondered what if a royal couple had twins. They would have to make a replica of the original gown right?

[LaPlusBelle]

I'm always afraid of what will happen if there are twins, what if there's a man-in-the-iron-mask scenario? I know there have been Royal Scottish twins ~James II (of Scotland only), but I don't think that passed down since the elder twin died.

[Lady Marmalade]

So we do we know who the godparents are??

[Warren]

No, but speculations can be made in the godparents thread.

[suztav]

Does anyone have any information regarding the hour when the Christening will take place? There's no mention of it in the press release.

[iowabelle]

IMO it seems that Edward and Sophie have given an indication that they do not believe that their children's futures lie within the Royal Family, given the names of the prospective godparents.