HRH Prince George, the third in line to the throne, was christened today at St. James’ Palace by The Archbishop of Canterbury.
His parents – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Prince William and Kate Middleton) were in attendance along with his great-grandparents The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, his grandparents (and step-grandmother) Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, and Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall and Michael and Carole Middleton, and his aunt and uncle, Prince Henry of Wales (Prince Harry), James Middleton, and Pippa Middleton.
It has been rumored that the private christening would be quite a small family affair, and The Cambridge’s didn’t disappoint on that route. Only Prince George’s immediate family (above), as well as his six godparents and their spouses were in attendance.
The Godparents.
In keeping with royal tradition, Prince George has seven godparents (the minimum for heirs to the throne is generally six), who all seem to be very traditionally chosen. However, it was quite a surprise that The Cambridges did not select any of their siblings as godparents.
- Oliver Baker – Friend of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge from their time at St. Andrews University
- Emilia Jardine-Paterson – School friend of Kate
- Earl Hugh Grosvenor
- Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton – Past Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
- Julia Samuel – Close friend of Princess Diana
- Zara Tindall – The Duke of Cambridge’s cousin
- William van Cutsem – Childhood friend of William
The Christening Gown.
As per royal tradition, Prince George was christened wearing a replica of the christening gown that Queen Victoria (yes, that Queen Victoria) had made for her children.
The original gown was last worn in 2004 when The Queen decreed that a new one should be made, in order to preserve the original – which is currently 172 years old!