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FIT FOR PRINCES AND PRINCESSES

New Exhibit at Kensington Palace
Showcases Six Generations of Royal Children's Clothes

From April 20, visitors to Kensington Palace will have an opportunity to see nine of the very finest samples of royal couture, each one selected from the wardrobes of young princes and princesses. The clothes are presented in a series of vignettes, which begin in 1810 and culminate in the outfits worn by Prince Charles and Princess Anne at their mother's coronation in 1953. This exhibit is the newest feature of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at the Palace's State Apartments and lasts through the beginning of 2001.

A highlight of the exhibit are the stunning gowns -- the purple, silk, velvet coronation robes and ivory lace dresses that adorned 11-year old Princess Elizabeth and 7-year old Princess Margaret at their father's coronation in May 1937.

As well as preserving significant public memories by showcasing ceremonial and formal gowns, the exhibition offers a view of some more private moments in the lives of the royal children. Included in the exhibit is the exquisite organdy dress of Prince Henry; identical purple velvet outfits of 4-year old Prince Albert Victor and 3-year old Prince George (sons of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra); and the informal, velvet, plaid dress worn by Queen Victoria as a teenager. Throughout this special display, visitors will be treated to a glimpse into the sheltered, private and privileged lives of these royal children, gaining eye-opening insight into how a royal childhood was spent.

Essential Information:

Admission to the exhibit is �9.50 for adults (approximately $16.15), �7.10 for children (approximately $12.07) and includes entry to the State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The Dress Collection, which reopened in May 1998, includes displays of court dress from the 16^th century to the present day. Kensington Palace is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on this and other London landmarks and special events scheduling throughout the year, call 1-800 806-7187

or access Historic Royal Palaces' website at http://www.hrp.org.uk

Edited by Kerry Cohen

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