Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1846

This sailor suit was worn by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) in 1846, when he was about five years old. It consists of a frock (UNI0294) of white linen with side gussets. At the shoulder, encircling the upper arm, are the strips of the watch made of blue twill tape. The sleeve terminates in a cuff of blue jean edged with three white tapes and fastening with a mother of pearl button. The collar is of blue jean with three white tapes, and, near the edge of the v-neck are two white tying tapes on each side to secure the black silk.

The trousers are of white linen with a flap front that fastens with four buttons. Behind this flap is a three button central closure, as well as a concealed pocket of white cotton. The flap front is partially lined and this is secured in a decorative arcade pattern of running stitch.

Engravings showing the Prince in his sailor suit popularised the wearing of them, and they became fashionable outfits for children from that time.

Object Details

ID: UNI0293
Collection: Uniforms
Type: Trousers
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Walton, Thomas
Vessels: Victoria and Albert (1843)
Date made: circa 1846
Exhibition: Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames
People: VII, King Edward; Elliott, Thomas
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 695 x 255 x 170 mm