The WEDDING DRESS Of Princess Helena | Royal Fashion History Documentary

In the opulent setting of Windsor Castle, Princess Helena, born May 25, 1846, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, embarked on a journey of love and royalty. Amidst whispers of anticipation, her choice of attire captivated all. Clad in a gown of finest white satin adorned with intricate Honiton lace, Helena radiated elegance and grace, her ensemble a testament to timeless sophistication. As she walked down the aisle on July 5, 1866, accompanied by her mother, the Prince of Wales, and eight bridesmaids, Helena embodied the essence of regal beauty, setting the stage for a wedding steeped in splendor and tradition.

Princess Helena, who was born on May 25, 1846, and passed away on June 9, 1923, was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
In August 1865, Helena met a man named Christian for the first time. Queen Victoria and her nine children went to Coburg to show off a statue of Prince Albert. Even though Christian was older by 15 years, Helena agreed to the idea of marrying him, but her brothers and sisters didn't like it.
Alexandra, who was the Princess of Wales, was the most unhappy about it. She didn't want Christian to join the family because the territory he came from had once belonged to her dad before the war.

Even Prince Albert Edward, who was Helena's brother and Alexandra's husband, didn't support the marriage because he wanted to make his wife happy. Helena's third sibling, Princess Alice, thought that their mom, Queen Victoria, was putting her own convenience over Helena's happiness by letting her marry someone so much older. Many people at the wedding thought Christian looked more like an old uncle than a husband for Helena. But Helena's oldest sister, Victoria, and her husband, Crown Prince Friedrich of Germany, were okay with it because they knew Christian for a long time.

Despite all the arguments, Helena was sure about marrying Christian. They got engaged on December 5, 1865, and got married exactly seven months later, on July 5, 1866, at 12:30pm in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. There were lots of important people at the wedding, like royals from Britain and other countries, members of Queen Victoria's staff, people from other countries, government workers, close friends, and important employees. Helena walked down the aisle with her mom, the Prince of Wales, and eight bridesmaids. She wore a pretty silk dress with special lace, flowers in her hair, and jewelry that her mom gave her as a wedding present.

Princess Helena's wedding dress was a vision of elegance and intricacy. Crafted from the finest white satin, it boasted deep flounces of Honiton lace, delicately adorned with intricate patterns of roses, ivy, and myrtle. The train, flowing gracefully behind her, was also fashioned from the same exquisite lace, embellished with bouquets of fragrant orange blossom and myrtle, symbolizing love and fidelity.
Upon her head, Helena wore a magnificent wreath fashioned from the same orange blossoms and myrtle, intertwined with a veil made of Honiton lace, perfectly complementing the design of her dress. Her jewelry was equally stunning, a testament to her royal status and the affection of her mother, Queen Victoria. A necklace, earrings, and brooch, all adorned with opals and diamonds, adorned her with a subtle yet striking sparkle. These precious gems were a heartfelt wedding gift from her beloved mother, adding a touch of regal splendor to her ensemble.
To complete her look, Helena wore bracelets set with delicate miniatures and the prestigious Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, a symbol of her esteemed status within the royal family. As she walked down the aisle, she exuded grace and poise, a true princess on her special day.
The bridesmaids, eight in total, were equally resplendent in their attire. Clad in white glacé dresses covered with layers of ethereal tulle, their ensembles were topped with a long tunic of shimmering silver tulle, adding a touch of enchantment to their appearance. Adorned with delicate clusters of pink roses, forgetmenots, and white heather, their dresses were a testament to the beauty of nature.
Upon their heads, the bridesmaids wore wreaths crafted from the same exquisite flowers, their long tulle veils cascading gracefully down their backs. Each detail was carefully chosen to complement the bride's attire, creating a harmonious and magical ambiance as they stood by Helena's side on her wedding day.