Lady Louise Windsor granted historic honor after her birth that brother James never had
Lady Louise Windsor’s historic honor was something that generations before her had experienced but no royal has since…


Lady Louise Windsor’s historic honor was granted when she was a baby and it’s something that her brother James, Viscount Severn never had.
- Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s only daughter had the privilege of being the last royal child to be christened wearing a precious family heirloom.
- By the time her younger brother was born a replica of the original Victorian gown had been made and ever since this has been worn instead.
- This royal news comes as we revealed Princess Anne’s rare royal privilege that Princess Eugenie and Beatrice never got to experience.
Whilst she might not be one of the late Queen’s grandchildren that’s seen most often in public, Lady Louise Windsor has been stepping out more in recent years. Lady Louise has shown her prowess at carriage driving at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and joined her parents Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward at a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip and at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. She’s understood to have been incredibly close to both of her royal grandparents and Lady Louise Windsor’s birth marked a turning point for Prince Philip in particular.
But it was five months after she was born in November 2003 that Lady Louise Windsor’s historic honor was granted. And it’s one that no royal since - not even her brother James, Viscount Severn - has ever had…
Lady Louise Windsor was baptized at the private chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2004 wearing a stunning Victorian christening gown. This family heirloom is also known as the Honiton christening gown and was commissioned by Queen Victoria for her first-born, Princess Victoria’s baptism.
The gown was reportedly inspired by Queen Victoria's Wedding dress, as per Town & Country, and is understood to have been worn by 62 royal babies. Queen Elizabeth, King Charles and Prince William were all christened in it, though Lady Louise was the last to wear it.
After her christening it was officially retired and a beautiful replica was made, designed to be as close to the real thing as possible.
Viscount Severn was the first royal baby to wear the new christening gown and it’s been used plenty of times since, including at the baptisms of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Lady Louise Windsor’ historic honor of getting to wear the christening gown for the last time is a very special privilege. She’s currently at the University of St Andrews studying English Literature and despite her lineage Lady Louise Windsor isn’t a Princess by title.
Her mother previously got candid about how she and her husband have raised Lady Louise and James to know they’ll probably have to work for a living. She also expressed to the BBC’s Naga Munchetty last year how Lady Louise prefers to remain “private”.
“She doesn’t really get involved with social media very much at all and that is purely her choice. I wouldn’t deny her going onto it, but she’s not really that interested in it,” the Countess explained. “There’s a few platforms that she talks to her friends on but that’s basically it, she doesn’t put anything out about herself at all. She’s very private.”
It’s not yet known when Lady Louise Windsor might next be seen in public. Though as the daughter of two working royals and the King’s niece, it’s likely that will be in attendance at King Charles’ coronation in May.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Considering a summer hair refresh? Demi Moore’s chic bob transformation is all the inspiration you need to book that salon appointment
Chop, chop, it's time to take a trip to the salon
By Sennen Prickett
-
Helen Mirren just embraced Cartier's signature colour on her lips - and this easy trick will make it less intimidating to replicate
When in doubt, do as Helen Mirren does and steer clear of matte formulas...
By Naomi Jamieson
-
Forget-me-not blue is the pastel Duchess Sophie always comes back to - it might've overtaken pistachio as our favourite this season
The royals love wearing a range of colours for engagements and visits, but there are a few hues that each of them gravitate towards the most.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Don't let white jeans daunt you - Duchess Sophie's recent outfit shows they're just as versatile as blue denim
Blue jeans are a wardrobe must-have for so many of us but white denim has a reputation for being a lot more challenging to style.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie’s added a dainty Missoma bracelet to her jewellery box and we're buying the exact same
Duchess Sophie wore one bracelet on repeat during her visit to Nepal and this stunning Missoma design is in our basket.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie means business in powder blue power suit and reminds us tailoring can be fun as well as sophisticated
If you always thought tailoring was a little too corporate you might re-consider after seeing Duchess Sophie's fabulous pastel co-ord
By Emma Shacklock
-
Snake print wedges with lemon-drop-yellow? Duchess Sophie just showed us how it's done
The Duchess of Edinburgh has brought back one of her favourite dresses for the first time in 2025 and styled it with snake print shoes
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie's soothing sage walls and cream cabinets in Bagshot Park kitchen create a sense of calm cosiness
The Duchess of Edinburgh's royal kitchen is a calming space with soft green and cream tones and she once shared a glimpse of it
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie brings royal style to New York with chocolate brown blazer and pink satin shirt
The Duchess of Edinburgh was the epitome of smart sophistication in New York in her tailored blazer and contrasting shirt
By Emma Shacklock