There was an echo of oohs and aahs yesterday (July 5, 2015) as the adorable Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, in her vintage lace gown, was christened at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England.
A legion of patriotic and well-wishing fans waited outside of the church to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived to the venue looking dashingly retro, complete with an old fashion pram (this pram was actually used by Queen Elizabeth II nearly 50 years ago for Princes Andrew and Edward), which was Princess Charlotte’s carriage for the day.
Kate Middleton‘s enviable fashion choice – she wore an Alexander McQueen coat and a Jane Taylor hat – nearly stole show as did the ever lovable Prince George, who stuck to his signature style wearing long shocks, red, shorts and white shirt – a similar outfit his father, Prince William, wore as a baby, back in 1984, when meeting Prince Harry for the first time in hospital.
Not to be outdone two-month-old Charlotte, matched her mum, and aunt Pippa Middleton, who dazzled in a Emilia Wickstead dress, in a cream-coloured christening gown that is a replica of the historic dress worn by royal children since Queen Victoria’s time.
The royal couple chose five godparents for the princess which is two fewer than big brother George. None of the godparents are from within royal circles.
Instead, according to the BBC they include Kate’s cousin Adam Middleton, William’s cousin Lady Laura Fellowes and Thomas van Straubenzee, a friend of the duke’s. The final two are the duke’s friend James Meade and the duchess’s friend Sophie Carter.
Straubenzee and Meade are very close friends of the future King and were both ushers at the duke and duchess’s wedding, even giving speeches at the reception.
Queen Elizabeth II talks to her great grandson George
While uncle Prince Harry was missing from the service – he is currently spending three months in Africa – the Queen and husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, were not. In fact Queen Elizabeth II cut a fashionable figure in a pastel pink dress suit.
The christening is one of the few times we will get to enjoy seeing William, Kate, George and Charlotte together as the royal couple intend to limit the children’s public appearances as they grow up.
However, making the most of the occasion the family chose internationally renowned photographer Mario Testino to take the official photographs after the service. “I am overwhelmed and honoured to be chosen to document this occasion,” said Mario, “and to carry on the documentation of the family that is the soul of this country, a country that has given me so much.”
The christening only lasted 45-minutes and it is believed Princess Charlotte was baptised with water from the River Jordan. After the service a high-tea was held at Sandringham House, where the royals celebrated the historical occasion with close friends and family. Following tradition, guests were served slices of christening cake, which is a tier from Kate and William’s wedding cake.
Princess Charlotte’s Family Album
The first picture of Princess Charlotte as the Duke and Duchess take her home from hospital
The first pictures of the adorable royal siblings: Prince George and Princess Charlotte
Brotherly love. So cute.
Official Images from The Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
Images: Splash News, Getty Images and Mario Testino
