Note and royal seal

This note and seal accompanied a dress worn by Queen Victoria in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, and verify its authenticity. The note states that the dress belonged to Queen Victoria in 1898 and came directly from Osbourne House, Queen Victoria's family retreat on the Isle of Wight. It was sent by her dresser Christina Newing. The note has been framed and includes the royal seal that was on the parcel containing the dress.

Many items of royal dress have come into the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection from families descended from people who worked for the Royal Household. It was customary at the time for items of royal clothing to be given as gifts in recognition of their loyalty and hard work. Documentation kept with the clothing can help to confirm the provenance, or history of the item.