Queen Elizabeth II's Baby Coat
Discover how this historic garment has been conserved for future generations
Baby coat worn by Queen Elizabeth II (c1927)Historic Royal Palaces
This is a rare example of an item of baby clothing worn by Princess Elizabeth who later became Queen Elizabeth II. This pink silk coat was worn in 1927 when the Princess was a baby.
Baby photograph of Queen Elizabeth II (1927)Historic Royal Palaces
Princess Elizabeth is pictured here wearing the coat with a matching bonnet travelling in an open-topped carriage on the knee of her nanny, Clara Knight.
Baby coat worn by Queen Elizabeth II (c1927)Historic Royal Palaces
The coat is made of light pink coloured silk with mother of pearl buttons. It is gathered and pleated at the waist. The large collar and cuffs are decorated at the edges.
Curator Matthew Storey explains how the coat became part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection in the following video.
What Queen Elizabeth II's Baby Clothes Reveal about Royal ChildhoodHistoric Royal Palaces
Baby coat worn by Queen Elizabeth II (c1927)Historic Royal Palaces
The baby coat required treatment to protect and conserve it for future generations. In the following video, Conservator Rosie Chamberlin explains the process and techniques she used to conserve this historic artefact.
HM Queen Elizabeth II's baby dress undergoes conservationHistoric Royal Palaces
Baby coat worn by Queen Elizabeth II (c1927)Historic Royal Palaces
Now take a more detailed look at Queen Elizabeth II's baby coat. See if you can spot the areas that Rosie has treated, protecting this artefact for the future.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.