A Very Royal Christening

The Family Gather to Celebrate the Baptism of Prince Louis – Without the Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked proud and delighted as they celebrated their 11-week-old son Prince Louis’ christening alongside their older children, George and Charlotte.

The Cambridges were all smiles during their first public appearance as a family of five, despite the surprise absence of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, who were unable to attend.

But as planned, William and Kate ensured it was an intimate occasion, held at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, with just 30 guests. Included in the party were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton and her siblings, James and Pippa, among others.

Conducting the service was the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who greeted the royal family and friends as they arrived on a sunny London afternoon.

Prince Louis – dressed traditionally in the elaborate frilly gown also worn by his siblings for their christenings – appeared fast asleep in his mother’s arms. When the Archbishop commented on this, a beaming Kate was heard replying that her son looked ‘very relaxed and peaceful’ adding: ‘I hope he stays like this.’

In fact, the royal mum – looking stunning and slim in an Alexander McQueen ivory mid-length dress and a hat designed by Jane Taylor – couldn’t stop smiling as she proudly held her infant son.

Meanwhile, a suited Prince William arrived holding hands with Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, three, who were dressed in smart summery outfits for the occasion. William encouraged his children to greet the Archbishop formally, watching fondly as they shook hands, then praising them with a pleased, ‘Well done’.