Wedding ensemble belonging to Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817) of silk satin overlaid with three layers of cream lace net with metal lama embroidery; the high-waisted bodice with short puffed sleeves and dipping neckline, underskirt, overskirt, train and apron. Although traditionally associated with Princess Charlotte, the skirts and train may not be original to the ensemble.

Made for Princess Charlotte for her wedding to Prince Leopold Saxe-Coburg in 1816. This ensemble is a rare survival and is now very frail. The metallic embroidery was a very fashionable element of court dress in the early nineteenth century, despite its cost and delicacy but was an unusual choice for Princess Charlotte, who usually preferred to dress in a simple style.

Text adapted from Kay Staniland's In Royal Fashion: The Clothes of Princess Charlotte of Wales and Queen Victoria 1796-1901 London 1997