Tuesday, February 22, 2011

No onesies for new Spanish royal baby

February 22, 1907


Preparations continue to be made for the "reception of the expected royal heir," according to a special cablegram to the New York Times.
An official statement was released concerning the preparations for the birth of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia's first child.

"The baby's cradle with be the one in which Alfonso XII slept.  It rests on four Corinthian columns and is surmounted by two pillars bearing the royal crown of Spain.  These pillars support curtains of old Brussels lace.
"The coverings of the little bed are hand embroidered, some with garlands of rosebuds and others with butterflies in white silk.
"By the desire of King Alfonso all the baby clothes are of Spanish make, the majority being products of marvelous painstaking industry of Spanish nuns.  Scores of charming little garments of the finest silk, flannel and nainsook, trimmed with lace and raised embroidery, are being made.  They bear the royal crown in relief and are adorned with satin ribbons of white and pale rose.
"Queen Victoria Eugenie has shown a preference for Valenciennes lace and broderie Anglaise.  Many of the trimmings used are priceless old Mechlin lace which has been in the possession of the Spanish royal family since the days of Ferdinand VII.  The christening robe has been made by a Madrid firm. It is lavishly adored with Irish lace."

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