Prince George’s godparents: Zara Phillips and six other close friends of his parents

Prince George’s seven godparents have been announced ahead of his christening later this afternoon.

Prince George’s godparents are: Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Phillips.

Zara Phillips, wife of former England rugby international Mike Tindall, is Prince William’s cousin.

The Archbishop of Canterbury – Justin Welby – will christen the three-month-old prince at St James’s Palace in central London.

Emilia Jardine-Paterson attended Marlborough College with Kate Middleton, while Oliver Baker went to St Andrews University with Prince William and the duchess.

William van Cutsem is a childhood friend of the duke.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton served as private secretary to Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry from 2005 to 2012, and is still principal private secretary and equerry on a part-time basis.

Julia Samuel was a close friend of Prince William’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Earl Grosvenor is the son of the Duke of Westminster.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will be joined by family and close friends for Prince George’s christening at the palace’s Chapel Royal.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are expected to attend along with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa and James are also expected to be at the ceremony.

Celebrity portrait photographer Jason Bell will take the official pictures, and after the christening he is expected to capture a historic image of the Queen and three future monarchs – Princes Charles, William and George – together.

This will echo a 1894 picture from the christening of the future Edward VIII, showing him with his father, grandfather and great-grandmother – George V, Edward VII and Queen Victoria.

Prince George will wear a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.

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