In a touching tribute that echoes his childhood memories, Prince Harry has honored the legacy of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, through a special gift for his nephew, Prince Louis.
This gesture not only reflects Harry’s affection for his family but also his desire to keep Diana’s memory alive in a meaningful way.
Harry has frequently shared fond recollections of his mother, particularly her love for literature.
It appears these cherished memories inspired him to start a collection of first edition books for his niece and nephews.
Among his thoughtful purchases was a remarkable original copy of A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh,” dating back to 1926, which he acquired for an impressive £8,000.
A close friend of Harry revealed that one of his happiest moments as a child was being read bedtime stories by Diana.
She had a passion for classic literature, and Harry’s idea to create a library of first editions is a heartfelt nod to those treasured times.
Initially, he considered gifting “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll, priced at a staggering £24,000, but ultimately decided that “Winnie the Pooh” would be a more fitting choice for young Louis.
While Prince William favored “Robinson Crusoe,” Harry’s heart was always with the whimsical tales of A.A. Milne.
The 1926 edition he selected is particularly special, as it belongs to the original run of just 30,000 copies printed.
This thoughtful gift surely added a layer of warmth to Prince Louis’ christening, which took place at St James’s Palace on July 9, 2018.
At this significant event, the youngest royal wore a replica of the traditional gown that has been a staple of royal christenings since Queen Victoria commissioned it for her daughter in 1841.
Over the years, this gown has been worn by 62 royal babies, with Lady Louise Windsor being the last to don the original in 2004.
Due to the fragile state of the original gown, the late Queen took the precaution of placing it into conservation, commissioning a replica in 2008.
The intricate task fell to Angela Kelly, the Queen’s dressmaker and confidante, who detailed the process in her book, “The Other Side of the Coin.”
Kelly and her colleague, Barbara Buckfield, traveled to Italy to source the ideal lace for the new gown, carefully carrying the priceless original with them.
The meticulous creation of the replica took about nine months, during which Angela kept the Queen updated on every step of the process.
The first royal baby to wear the newly crafted gown was James, Viscount Severn, in 2008.
Since then, it has been worn by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at their respective christenings in 2013, 2015, and 2018.
The gown has become a symbol of continuity and tradition within the royal family, gracing many young royals, including Savannah and Isla Phillips, as well as Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
This heartfelt gesture from Harry raises questions about his relationship with his brother William and the dynamics of their family.
Many wonder how the arrival of Meghan Markle influenced these relationships and whether Harry’s commitment to his family remains steadfast amidst the changes.
As we reflect on this touching story, it invites us to think about the bonds of family and the ways in which we honor those we’ve lost.
What are your thoughts on Harry’s tribute?
Do you believe his dedication to his family has shifted over time?
Share your insights in the comments below.
