Prince Albert's Waistcoat

This brown silk crepe (also known as Crepe de Chine) single breasted waistcoat embellished with blue soutache braid was once owned by Prince Albert, husband and later consort to Queen Victoria.

© London Museum 2026

Featuring a low cut neckline with shawl lapels (with hidden a button to secure each lapel) and a curved hem line, dipping lower in front than back reflecting the 1840-50's cinched waist of mens fashion. There is a pair of welt pockets either side of centre front. The blue soutache braid is hand worked in a circular-knot pattern down the lapels, front, and pockets reflecting that of French and Russian military uniform braid.

The deathshead buttons are also wrapped in a brown and blue thread. There is a cinch at the back of the waistcoat for adjusting the fit. The back panel is most likely made from a black cotton silesia consistent with 1840-50's waistcoats. The use of a different light weight fabric at the back of the waistcoat was often used not only for cost effectiveness but to minimise bulk and allow for breathability. The use of a lightweight fabric for the back panels can still be seen being used in modern waistcoats.

© London Museum 2026

The waistcoat measures - L 520 mm (CB measured flat from top edge of collar to waistcoat hem), L 590 mm (overall, top of collar to hem), L 260 mm (centre front), L 515 mm (centre back), W 480 mm (chest) (overall)

The waistcoat once belonged to the Prince Consort Albert and the braid is said to have been sewn by his daughter Princess Alice. Alice was the third of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s nine children; Alice went on to nurse her father through the final days of his fatal illness and then became Victoria’s unofficial secretary for a period of time following Albert’s death.

Image copyright - © London Museum 2026