Figure 1.--This CDV shows Prince William of Prussia wearing a white dress. He was a prince of Prussia because Germany was not yet united. The back says, "L. Haase & Comp. in Berlin, Konigl. Hof-Photographen und Hof-Photographen Ihrer Kgl. Hoheit der Frau Kronprinzessin v Preussen. 178. Grosse Friedricks-Strasse 178."

Available drawings by his mother show that Wilhelm wore dresses as a small child. Prince Albert reportedly saw his grandson as part of a vosit to Coburg in 1860. As Albert's step mother had just died, Vicky and little Willie were dressed in morning. For Willie this meant a white dress with black ribbons. Albert was struck with Willie's good looks and resemblance to his brother Ernest. [Bennett, p. 346.] One photograph taken in 1861 when Wilhelm was 2 show him in a black dress, the family was in morning. He wears pantalettes and short white socks. He also wears a morning bow on his arm. Another image shows him at age 3 wearing a white dress with pantalettes. I am not sure at what age he was breeched, but it was before age 5.

Created: 11:10 PM 3/2/2008
Last updated: 11:10 PM 3/2/2008