Prince George’s Christening: An Intimate Affair

With a throng of well-wishers lined up outside, the baptism of the three-month-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was an intimate gathering with several god-parents and only senior members of the Royal Family and the Middletons in attendance. (Carole Middleton pictured below.) Typically, a royal baptism would be an occasion for most members of the extended Royal Family to attend.

 

Pippa and James Middleton leave the chapel.

But it was another break with protocol and tradition for William and Catherine, the young royal couple, who seem intent on ushering a breath of modern – and refreshing – air to the monarchy, by doing things on their own terms.

Their choice of godparents – instead of the usual list of aristocrats and dignitaries – consisted of their close friends and just one royal, William’s cousin, Zara.

But there were a few notes that held close to tradition.

 

Prince George was dressed in a replica of a cream-coloured christening robe that royal babies have worn since 1841.

His mother, Catherine, went with a similar colour scheme in a ruffled dress by Alexander McQueen – the label that made her famous wedding dress.

 

Here, Queen Elizabeth II followed by Prince Charles and Camilla, Dutchess of Cornwall.

Water for the baptism came from the River Jordan and, at the reception at Clarence House that followed the christening, wedding cake from William and Catherine’s 2011 nuptials was served.