Fit for a King? Prince George to Be Christened With Hand-Me-Down Gown as Prince Charles Accepts More Baby Gifts

Antique gown has reportedly become too delicate to be used again

By Alyssa Toomey Jul 31, 2013 5:47 PMTags
Royal Baby, Kate Middleton, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince WilliamJohn Stillwell/WPA-Pool/Getty Images

Looks like Prince George is already taking after his mama's recycling ways!

While Prince William and Kate Middleton's son will soon be christened, the wee HRH Prince of Cambridge will not wear the traditional silk gown—as worn by the royals for the last 167 years—and will instead have to don a replica, according to British reports.

The one-of-a-kind Honiton lace and white satin christening gown made for Britain's royal babies has reportedly been worn by over 30 newborns, including Prince William, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II.

PHOTO: Prince Charles models cute baby T-shirt for Prince George

What's more, the third in line to the throne is expected to wear a hand-me-down gown, which has already been worn by the two daughters of Peter and Autumn Phillips, Savannah and Isla Elizabeth, as well as Prince Edward's son, James, Viscount Severn.

So why is the future King of England being fitted with some fresh royal threads?

The antique gown, which was created in 1841, was reportedly last worn by Lady Louise Windsor in 2004 and has since become too fragile to be used again. As a result, Queen Elizabeth II commissioned an exact copy in order to preserve the original robe.

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

While we wait for Prince George's religious rite of passage and formal entrance into the Church of England, the little one's grandfather, Prince Charles, continues to enjoy his time as a new grandparent and was photographed accepting a teddy bear on his grandson's behalf during a visit to the 132nd Sandringham Flower Show at Sandringham House in King's Lynn, England, today. 

The Prince of Wales has also adorably nicknamed the royal baby Prince Georgie, and he continues to share his joy over his grandson, gushing over how "fun" it is to be a grandfather and admitting he's "thrilled and very excited" over the family's new arrival.

Prince George Alexander Louis was born July 22 at 4:24 p.m. local time in the Lindo Wing of London's St. Mary's Hospital. 

Will, Kate and their bundle of joy are currently spending their first days as a family in Bucklebury, where there is currently a no-fly zone over the residence where they are staying.