Prince George christened in private ceremony
- Published
Nel reports on Prince George's christening
The future King has been christened today in a private ceremony at Saint James's Palace in London.
Prince George - the three-month-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton both gave readings at the service.
The tradition would have been to hold the service in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace but William and Kate chose the Chapel Royal instead.
The Queen and Prince Philip, were there, as well Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate's parents Michael and Carol Middleton.
Historic moment
After the service an historic official photo was taken. It will show the Queen with three future kings - her son Charles, her grandson William and her great-grandson George. This (four generations of monarchs photographed together) hasn't happened for more than a century. The pic will be released tomorrow.
When Prince William was christened in 1982 he was dressed in the traditional lace and satin robe made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter. The delicate outfit is no longer used but Prince George wore an identical handmade christening gown.
The prince was baptised over a font that was made for Queen Victoria's first child, with water from the River Jordan.
Godparents
Prince George has seven godparents: Prince William's cousin Zara Tindall, Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel and William van Cutsem.
Zara Tindall, wife of former England rugby player Mike Tindall, is Prince William's cousin
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is a former private secretary to the duke and duchess
Julia Samuel was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales
Oliver Baker went to St Andrews University with the duke and duchess
William van Cutsem is a childhood friend of Prince William
Godparent Emilia Jardine-Paterson went to Marlborough College with the duchess