Princess Charlotte's Christening
- princegeorgepieces
- Jul 5, 2015
- 4 min read
The Royal Christening of Princess Charlotte thrilled royal watchers around the globe today. Despite difficulties with live stream, followers on Twitter were absolutely elated to see photos of the Cambridges emerge; this is the first time that we’ve seen the family of four photographed together! The service took place at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, where the royal family celebrates Christmas each year. The morning began a bit rainy, but the sun came out in time for the big event. Local royal watchers eagerly gathered outside to observe the family walk in, and flowers from well-wishers will be donated to a local hospice.
In attendance today were the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Middleton, Miss Pippa Middleton, Mr. James Middleton, and Princess Charlotte's godparents and their spouses. Prince Harry was unable to attend the event as he is away in Africa.
The Duke and Duchess requested their close friends Miss Sophie Carter (friend of the Middletons; you've seen her join them in Mustique), Mr. James Meade (classmate of Wills at Eaton College), and Mr. Thomas van Straubenzee (Wills's best friend who made a second toast at the royal wedding) along with family members Mr. Adam Middleton (Kate's cousin) and the Honourable Laura Fellowes (Princess Diana's niece) to be godparents.
Three fun facts about today's event: George had 7 godparents, while Charlotte has 5; the distance the family walked to the church was 1,312 feet, just under a quarter mile; and Charlotte is just 63 days old today, while George was 93 days old for his christening.
The christening went fairly quickly - only 25 minutes, but Charlotte looked positively beautiful in her heirloom replica christening robe handmade by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to the Queen. The replica was first worn by the Queen's grandson, Viscount Severn, and all of the Queen's great grandchildren since. Our sweet princess was a bit distraught at the start of the service, but Mummy Kate gave her a quick bounce in the arms to cheer the precious bundle. We know the christening must have been beautiful and very special. Charlotte was baptized using water from the River Jordan in the Lily Font, commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840, and the reading was smartly chosen from Matthew 18:1-5:
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Those in attendance also sang two hymns - "Praise to the Lord, The Almighty" and "Come Down, O Love Divine".
Charlotte was pushed in a vintage Millson's pram from the 50s used by the Queen for sons Andrew and Edward. We must thank Simon Perry from People Magazine for this identification! Such a gorgeous, heirloom piece. We're feeling inspired to pass down a similar, quality pram in our own families - truly timeless and elegant!
Following the service, guests were invited to a tea in Sandringham House, where they were served a slice of cake from a tier of William and Catherine's wedding cake.
Prince George walked proudly alongside his parents and sister wearing a sweet ensemble by Rachel Riley. It immediately struck onlookers as being similar to the outfit William wore for Harry's birth, and we agree; it certainly was an intentional nod to the family history. The short sleeved, white button down shirt features red smocking across the chest and a Peter Pan collar. The top tucked in to matching red shorts with white button closures. You can pre order the set online for $189 from Rachel Riley (it has already sold out at Childrensalon where it was on sale). He accessorized with his classic, navy Start-Rite Jo First Walkers and short, white socks. It is interesting to note that Prince George also wore Rachel Riley for Charlotte's birth and christening as well as at his first two official engagements Down Under; one might say the designer
currently holds the same place in his wardrobe that Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham hold in Kate's. We were also thrilled to see George depart from his traditional blue (this is only the third time we’ve seen him in red), with the color only present in his shoes. The variety was refreshing, and George looked so very handsome in his traditional, formal children's wear.
What a special time for this gorgeous family, we hope this starts your week out as delightfully as it did ours! We’ll be back with updates once the official christening portraits, to be taken by Diana’s favorite photographer Mario Testino, are released!
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