PRINCE Louis looked serene as he was christened at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London on July 9th.
The 11-week-old was “relaxed and peaceful”, his mother was heard telling the Archbishop of Canterbury, adding wryly: “I hope he stays like this.”
Kate Middleton looked elegant in a long-sleeved cream McQueen dress and headpiece by Jane Taylor, with the baby prince sleeping in her arms. Husband Prince William walked slightly ahead, holding the hands of their other two children, Prince George and Princess Charlottte.
Newlyweds Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived close behind, with the Duchess of Sussex wearing an olive green Ralph Lauren dress and a Stephen Jones hat.
Kate’s pregnant sister Pippa Middleton also attended, along with husband James Matthews.
Louis wore a replica of the Royal Christening Robe, which was made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal. It is the same Honiton lace and white satin gown that was worn by his siblings.
The third child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was last seen in public outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital as a newborn on April 23. It has been a long wait for royal fans since then to get a glimpse of the baby prince.
This is the first time the family of five have all been pictured together in public.
Police officers with guns guarded the entrances to the palace while barricades were set up on streets outside to keep the crowds from spilling onto the street.
Around 300 people lined the streets around St James’s Palace in a bid to see the royal family arrive.
Only about 30 people attended the “small and intimate” christening, including Prince Charles and Camilla, but not the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The decision was not down to health reasons, Buckingham Palace said, and was made some time ago. The monarch, 92, is having a busy week and will be returning from a weekend away at Norfolk. She is hosting President Trump at Windsor Castle on Friday.
In a statement last night, Kensington Palace confirmed that Louis’ godparents wouldn’t include either William’s brother Harry or Kate’s sister Pippa, with close friends and one relative making the list.
William’s mates Nicholas van Cutsem, fellow Etonian Harry Aubrey-Fletcher and nightclub owner Guy Pelly will serve as godfathers.
Kate’s cousin Lucy Middleton, school friend Hannah Carter and William’s friend Lady Laura Meade will be Louis’ godmothers.
Ms Middleton and Mr Pelly gave readings at the christening and the Cambridges chose two hymns and two anthems, performed by a choir, according to Kensington Palace.
Prince Louis was baptised at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, a venue that is rich in royal history.
It was the setting for Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, and the Queen’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, married there in 1893.
Louis’ brother Prince George was christened there also, while sister Princess Charlotte was baptised at Sandringham in Norfolk.
Prince Louis was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who recently wed Harry and Meghan.
“You know, if you’re at the wedding don’t drop the rings and if you’re at the baptism don’t drop the baby,” he laughed in a BBC interview.
Following the service, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are holding a private tea at Clarence House where guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from their wedding cake.
