Alexandra originally intended to wear a dress of Brussels lace given to her by King Leopold. However, Queen Victoria objected, stating that her dress must be entirely of British manufacture. Her new dress was trimmed with Honiton lace in a pattern of roses, shamrocks and thistles; the skirt was garlanded with orange blossom.

This painted photograph shows Alexandra wearing the lace overlaid with swags of artificial orange blossom. Pinned to her sleeve is the badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert.