Made by a Queen! MAURICE'S ROYAL BABY TREASURE

The Aucklander has a very special token from the time he grew up on a royal estate

- Donna Fleming

It’s not unusual for babies’ baptism gowns to have special significance. Often that’s because they are family heirlooms handed down through many generations, or because of who else has worn them.

In Maurice Crane’s case, the dainty jacket he wore for his christening 95 years ago is unique because of who made it. The crocheted piece – and also possibly the gown and slip worn with it – was handmade specially for him by Queen Mary, the wife of King George V. That’s our current King’s great-grandmother.

“I know Queen Mary definitely did the crocheting, but I’m not sure about the gown and the bit that goes under it,” says Maurice. “I suppose there aren’t too many people who can say that a queen made what they wore for their baptism.”

For many years, the matinée jacket, gown and under slip have been wrapped in tissue paper and packed away. But the death of Queen Elizabeth last year and the deluge of information about the British royal family that followed prompted Aucklander Maurice to get it out and reminisce about his own royal connections.

He crossed paths with royalty thanks to his parents, George and Emily Crane, who worked for the Marquess and Marchioness of Cambridge at Dallicott Hall, their stately home in Shropshire. George was the gardener and chauffeur, while Emily worked as a seamstress.