The Blanket That’s Wrapped Royal Babies Since Prince Charles
Every family has their traditions, and the British royals are hardly an exception. That’s especially noticeable when a new addition arrives, like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third child, who was born on Monday. The yet-to-be-named infant prince participated in a custom that stretches back 69 years, to the birth of his grandfather.
In 1948, Queen Elizabeth wrapped a newborn Prince Charles in a G.H. Hurt & Son white shawl, and every royal baby since has been seen in blankets from the brand. Based in Nottingham, the company has been in business since 1912, crafting scarves and shawls for adults as well. Ranging from £36 to £122 ($50 to $170), the christening and baby shawls are a luxury, but not completely out of the question for mere mortals.
The new addition will likely carry on another tradition—being pushed around in a Silver Cross pram. This convention even predates the shawl, with the Queen herself being the first royal family member to ride around in the “Rolls Royce” of strollers back in 1926.
Still handcrafted to this day in Yorkshire, the pram features a “polished chrome chassis with high-gloss hand-painted fine detailing on the carriage, chrome-spoked wheels, a hand-stitched Balmoral hood and apron finished with Yorkshire rose detailing, a large clip-on shopping basket, a white deeply padded mattress, a solid wood handle with Silver Cross embossing, and a certificate of authenticity,” according to Architectural Digest. It also comes with a luxe price tag: £1,600 ($2,231).
And if you want a memento from Royal Baby 2018 fever, look no further than the Royal Collection Trust. The young prince already has his own commemorative china. Decorated with “the lion and unicorn, the heraldic supporters of the coat of arms, surmounted by the coronet of The Duke and Duchess,” it also includes a “charming pattern of gold ribbons and decorative pompoms”. Choose from a plate, tankard, pillbox, or pram ornament.