Prince George’s christening: Timings and latest details

Prince George’s christening service will take place next week, on October 23, and Kensington Palace has shared details concerning the event.

According to People magazine, Prince William and Kate Middleton will bring their 3-month-old son before the Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, October 23, at 3 pm, at the chapel at St. James Palace. The service will last 45 minutes.

St. James Palace chapel holds special meaning for Prince William as it housed the coffin of his late mother Princess Diana for one week before her burial. There has been some speculation that Prince William chose the location to pay tribute to his mother, as he did with the royal wedding that was held in Westminster Abbey, where Princess Diana’s funeral took place.

Those expected to attend Prince George’s christening service include Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Harry and the Middletons.

The guest list for the christening has not been released but Kensington Palace has said “close members of both families” will attend.

The names of Prince George’s godparents are also yet to be announced.

Following the christening, a picture will be released showing the Queen with three future monarchs – Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George.

The last time such a gathering of a monarch and her three heirs occurred was in Queen Victoria’s time.

That photograph, taken at the christening of the future Edward VIII in July 1894 showed the royal baby with his father, later George V; grandfather, the future Edward VII; and great grandmother, Queen Victoria.

Meanwhile, the Royal Mint is to create a set of commemorative coins to mark the christening.