An elaborate official programme produced for those attending the Royal Baptism ceremony of Prince Christian Victor Albert Ludwig Ernst Anton (1867–1900), eldest son of Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and her husband Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. The baptism took place at Windsor Castle on 21 May 1867, and the programme was intended for use by those attending the ceremony itself, presenting details of the baptism and the musical content forming part of the order of service. At the head appears: “WINDSOR CASTLE” flanked by the date: “21st May, 1867.” A gilt royal coat of arms occupies the centre, beneath which appears: “BAPTISM OF THE PRINCE” followed by the infant Prince's full name: “Christian Victor Albert Ludwig Ernst Anton” and the names of his royal parents. The programme is finely printed in several colours and decorated with a gilt royal coat of arms, crowns and coloured royal monograms, surrounded by an elaborate embossed lace-like cut-paper border incorporating floral and foliate ornament. Of particular historical and family interest is the musical content of the ceremony. Two Chorales are printed in the programme and attributed to: “H.R.H. The Prince Consort” — Prince Albert, the infant Prince's grandfather and Princess Helena's father. Albert had died in 1861, approximately six years before the baptism, giving the inclusion of his compositions in his grandson's baptismal service a particularly poignant dynastic and commemorative significance. Prince Christian Victor was a grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He subsequently pursued a military career in the British Army and served in several campaigns. He died in South Africa in 1900, aged only 33, during the period of the Second Boer War. An exceptional piece of Victorian royal ephemera, produced for use in connection with an actual Royal Baptism ceremony at Windsor Castle, combining an official programme of the service, colour printing, royal arms and monograms, elaborate embossed lace-paper work, and two musical compositions attributed to Prince Albert.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art