FACET: Royal Baby Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

May 14, 2015

The second time around it's a girl for Prince William and Princess Kate. After much waiting and odds-making the royal couple settled on the name Charlotte Elizabeth Diana for their new addition.

The Diana part of the name is an obvious nod to William's late mother, Lady Diana, and Elizabeth is in honor of the infant's grandmother Queen Elizabeth. Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, may be a tribute to the baby's grandfather, Prince Charles. All around then, the name is befitting a royal baby.

What may not be so well known is that a whole era of history was named after an Elizabeth. The Elizabethan era spanned the years 1558 through 1603, during which Queen Elizabeth I reigned in England. Historians have been known to call this time period England's "Golden Age." Quite the compliment to have attached to your name!

The Elizabethan era is known for its regal attire. To envision the clothing of this epoch, picture an actress from a Shakespearean play. The specifics varied depending on the wealth of the wearer. For example, only those of the royal class were allowed to wear clothing that was trimmed with ermine. Regardless of social standing, however, Elizabethans had to conform to Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws when it came to the styles and materials they wore. These regulations were instituted not only to control behavior but also to ensure class structure was maintained.

Some of the key elements of the typical Elizabethan woman's attire were a corset, a Spanish farthingale (a hooped underskirt), bumrolls (padded crescents worn at the hips), a partlet (an undershirt with a high neckline), and a gown with large poufy shoulders and long sleeves. The jewelry of the time was often a jeweled choker and pearl earrings.

This 1920s antique cameo ring showcases an Elizabethan dressed woman. It pays homage to royal baby Charlotte Elizabeth Diana's English lineage.

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