Princess Charlotte has been baptised at an intimate service in Sandringham as the world got its first glimpse of the Cambridges as a family of four.
Her Royal Highness was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a private service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte looked picture perfect as they attended Charlotte’s christening on Sunday. Marking the first time that they have appeared in public as a family of four, the royals were all smiles as they waved to royal enthusiasts who had been waiting outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, where the ceremony took place.
The Nine-week-old Princess Charlotte was pushed to her christening by the Duchess of Cambridge in a vintage Millson pram the Queen used for two of her own children.
She could be heard crying and had to be comforted by Kate.
As Prince George entered the churchyard, he let go of his dad’s hand and made his own way through the grounds.
Just 21 guests attended the service in Norfolk: the Cambridges; the Queen and Prince Philip; Charles and Camilla; the Middletons; and the five godparents, four of whom were accompanied by their spouses.
The Godparents were William’s cousin Laura Fellowes, Kate’s cousin Adam Middleton and friends Thomas van Straubenzee, Sophie Carter and James Meade.
Prince Harry, was unfortunatelly absent , as he is currently in Namibia as part of a three-month charity trip to Africa.
The christening lasted about 30 minutes before the family departed for Sandringham House, where they will enjoy some christening cake taken from a tier of their wedding cake.
Well-wishers, some of whom camped out overnight, were allowed into the paddock near the church to see the family.
The Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Queen’s estate in Sandringham is where Princess Diana was christened.
Charlotte, who had not been seen in public since leaving hospital following her birth, was dressed in the elaborate cream lace and satin royal christening gown.
Like her big brother Prince George before her, Her Royal Highness wore the Royal Christening Robe of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin – a hand-made replica of the christening robe made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal which has now been preserved. The replica was commissioned by The Queen after Lady Louise Windsor’s christening and was made by Queen Elizabeth II’s dressmaker, Angela Kelly.
The Duchess of Cambridge, also stole the show in the label synonymous with the Middleton reign: Alexander McQueen.
Mommy Kate looked absolutely resplendent in a coat by Sarah Burton that was demure, respectful, and summer friendly.
The fourth in line to the throne was christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, supported by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere.
The silver baptismal font known as the Lily font was commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert through the firm Barnard & Co in 1840, for the birth of their first child Victoria.
It was first used in the christening of Victoria, Princess Royal in 1841, which was conducted in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury. A painting of the event by C.R. Leslie shows the font. It has been a traditional feature of all of The Queen’s children and grandchildren’s christening since, with the exception of Princess Eugenie, who was christened during morning service at The Church of St Mary Magdalene, at Sandringham.
The Lily font is now housed in the Tower of London where it is on view in the Jewel House with the Crown Jewels.
Holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptised, was used.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two hymns, one lesson and two anthems for the christening.
The hymns were Praise to the Lord, The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine.
The lesson was from Matthew 18, verses 1-5, read by Mr Meade, one of the godparents.
The anthems were I Will Sing With The Spirit and God Be In My Head, both by John Rutter.
Celebrity and fashion photographer Mario Testino took the official pictures.
The names of Princess Charlotte’s 5 Godparents have been released.
The group is made up of close friends & family.
1. Tom van Straubenzee a close friend of William from their days at Ludgrove Prep Sch. He travelled to NZ w/William during his gap year.
William & Harry are patrons of a charity in memory of Henry van Straubenzee who died in a car crash aged 18 in 2002.
2. The Hon. Laura Fellowes – William’s cousin & daughter of Princess Diana’s older sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. Laura’s father Baron Fellowes was private secretary to the Queen throughout the notoriously tricky 1990s.
The Christianity was in the same church princess Diana was baptized in and a few days after the late princess birthday.
3. James Meade – old Eton friend of William’s. W served as an usher at his wedding. Meade reportedly gave a joint speech at W&K’s reception.
4. Adam Middleton – Kate’s cousin and son of Michael Middleton’s brother Richard.
5. Sophie Carter – a close friend of Kate’s. As with George no titled royals were included among the godparents.
Prince George wore a Rachel Riley UK outfit similar to the one Prince William wore to meet Prince Harry at the hospital for the first time. (Photo via Vanity Fair)
Prince George’s outfit:
Rachel Riley Smocked Set (£85).
Traditional 2-piece smocked shirt and short set. The shirt is hand smocked across the chest with a vintage inspired design. Matching red shorts with button opening at the side – button onto the shirt for a formal look!
The baptism took place in the Lily Font which was commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840, and has featured in nearly all The Queen’s children and grandchildren’s christenings.
I wish Her Royal Highness to be Blessed , Healthy and Happy forever in Her life…! Our world is more beautiful with Her, for sure…!
God Bless Her !
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