Prince Louis Christened in Private Ceremony in London
Prince Louis, the youngest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, has been christened on July 9 in a private ceremony in London.
The fifth in line to the throne arrived alongside his family at St James’s Palace wearing the same gown his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, wore to their christenings.
The 11-week-old was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
Guests included newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
However, Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh did not attend, with the decision made “some time ago” and not on health grounds, Buckingham Palace said.
The 92 year-old queen was travelling back from Norfolk on July 9 and has a busy week ahead, with celebrations marking the centenary of the RAF on Tuesday and US President Donald Trump’s visit to Windsor on July 6.
Image source Wikipedia
Princess Charlotte Christened at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham
Prince George being christened in London
Prince Louis’ six godparents are Nicholas van Cutsem, Guy Pelly, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lady Laura Meade, Hannah Carter and Lucy Middleton.
They are all friends or family of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who also picked friends and confidantes as Prince George’s and Princess Charlotte’s godparents.
According to Kensington Palace, Lucy Middleton and Guy Pelly each read a lesson during the service.
Prince Charles, Prince Louis’s grandfather, attended with the Duchess of Cornwall, with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton also among the guests.
Pregnant Pippa Middleton and her brother James Middleton were also at the ceremony.
Prince Louis’s christening gown is the same one that was used by his siblings.
The cream lace and white satin robe is a replica of the robe made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841, which is now too delicate to be worn. The new version was made by the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly.
According to tradition, water from the River Jordan was used at the christening.
Following the 40-minute traditional religious service, guests attended a private tea which included slices of christening cake, from a tier taken from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake.