Princess Charlotte was christened in front of the Queen and close family and friends yesterday as the Cambridges had their first public outing as a family of four.
The nine-week-old was welcomed into the Christian faith, watched by proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and older brother Prince George.
Great-grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, grandparents the Prince of Wales and Carole and Michael Middleton, step-grandmother the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate’s siblings Pippa and James Middleton joined Charlotte’s five godparents for the celebratory occasion at Church of St Mary Magdalene in Norfolk.
The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby performed the baptism – a must for royal babies – using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is part of the Crown Jewels. The Princess was christened using holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.
Just 21 guests were among the congregation, including five godparents
Charlotte was pushed to her christening in a vintage pram which the Queen used for two of her own children.
Kate strolled from Sandringham House to the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Norfolk pushing the large traditional silver wheeled Millson pram – once used for the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – while William held George’s hand as the prince, who is nearly two, waved at the crowds.
After a short service lasting just over half an hour, the royals began emerging from the church. Charlotte was christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841. The original is too delicate to wear and its exact copy is now used for royal baptisms.
The baby’s chubby cheeks could be seen as Kate lifted her from her pram as they were about to enter the church. The Princess had started to cry and Kate picked her up to settle her ahead of the service.
As George entered the churchyard, he let go of William’s hand and made his own way through the grounds. As his mother tended to his sister, the inquisitive youngster took matters into his own hands and tried to make his way into the church by himself.
The Duke and Duchess delighted the large crowds of well-wishers by walking the short distance to the 16th century venue from nearby Sandringham House with George and Charlotte.
It was a public insight into a private service. Just 21 guests were among the congregation including the princess’s five godparents.