Charlotte, who fourth in line to Britain’s throne, wore the same gown worn by her brother at his christening – a reproduction of the Victorian christening robe worn by royal babies since 1841.
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According to Kensington Palace, they include Prince William’s first cousin, Laura Fellowes, a daughter of Princess Diana’s elder sister Jane Fellowes; the Duchess’ cousin Adam Middleton; two of Princes William’s closest friends, Thomas von Straubenzee and James Meade; and Sophie Carter, a longtime friend of the Duchess.
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. Celebrity and fashion photographer Mario Testino will take the official pictures.
As for his red-and-white outfit, it’s nearly an exact replica of the one that William wore to his brother Harry’s christening back in 1984.
The christening was conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, who also oversaw the christening of Prince George.
The day belonged to Princess Charlotte, but the inspiration was pure Diana, Princess of Wales.
A 2013 report by ABC News called this selection a “clear shift from tradition”, pointing out that the couple “largely shunned fellow royals as godparents” to George. Prince William’s brother, Prince Harry, is now in Africa and could not attend.
Nine-week-old Charlotte, who bears both her grandmother and great-grandmother’s names, was taken to her christening in a vintage Millson pram, previously used for Prince Edward and Prince Andrew.
The royal family make their way to St. Mary Magdelene church in Norfolk, England.
A gold-jeweled Bible, with more than 500 sapphires, rubies and opals, an early-1900s gift from the American Wanamaker family, is also housed inside the queen’s local church on the Sandringham estate.
” The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte’s birth – many of them from local people in Norfolk – and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening”.
They joined in singing the two hymns – Praise to the Lord, The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine – while godfather Mr Meade read the lesson from Matthew 18, verses 1-5.
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Following the service, the royals and their guests headed back to their estate for an afternoon tea hosted by the Queen where they will eat the christening cake which is a tier of Wills and Kate’s wedding cake.
