Kate's little cutie entrances a nation: Princess Charlotte melts hearts as family make their first outing for her christening... but she didn't get ALL the attention thanks to her prince charming brother
- Family arrived on foot for Princess Charlotte's christening at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham
- It is the first time they have been photographed as a family of four and couple smiled as they walked to church
- Kate was dressed in ivory Alexander McQueen dress as she pushed Charlotte in a pram, while George held William's hand and waved at the thousands of wellwishers who had camped out to get a glimpse of the family
- Nine-week-old Charlotte's godparents were announced this morning and included Diana's niece Laura Fellowes
It was the first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with both of their children as Princess Charlotte melted the hearts of the nation on her christening.
But despite it being the nine-week-old's big day, her big brother Prince George almost stole the show by charming the crowds who had gathered to see the family on the Sandringham Estate.
The family of four made the journey to the church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham together for the private ceremony, attended by just 21 official guests including the Queen and Prince Philip as well as other close family members and the nine-week old princess's five godparents.
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This was the nation's first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with both of their children as Prince George joined the royal couple for his younger sister's christening
Curious Prince George peaked inside his baby sister's pram to get a peek at the nine-week old as the family left the church after Princess Charlotte's Christening at Sandringham
Look like a dream in Kate's cream Alexander McQueen dress
Princess Charlotte has some big shoes to fill. The Duchess of Cambridge graced her daughter’s christening in an elegant dress by a designer she knows all too well, and staying true to her style is why she’s still reigning as a global fashion icon.
Wearing a classic knee-length cream coat dress by British designer Alexander McQueen, Kate proved she’s still a creature of habit in terms of her sartorial tendencies since the appearance evoked the memory of the similar long-sleeved McQueen creation she wore to Prince George’s christening.
This time, Kate’s dress was more streamlined with its sharp shift-style silhouette, dramatic inverted neckline and exaggerated lapels which became the focal point of the piece, making a stark contrast to the playful ruffles and flared hemline of the 2013 creation. Looks like things are getting royally serious for our Duchess!
Kate stuck to her guns once again with the accessorising by opting for Mappin & Webb jewellery and a Jane Taylor hat, and this one oozed sophistication with its dainty white floral design.
Although custom made and unavailable to buy online, you can emulate Kate’s beautiful look from the likes of L.K. Bennett to Closet in our edit below.
The little princess was christened in a short private service conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Rev Justin Welby
Kate, dressed all in white, pushed Charlotte in a traditional-style black pram while George - who turns two on July 22 - walked alongside his parents. It is the first time they have been seen in public with both of their young children
When the family of four reached the church on the Sandringham Estate they were greeted by the church rector Jonathan Riviere, who shared a joke with the royal couple and their children
Prince George shares a tender moment with his great-grandmother the Queen, as William and his nanny watches on and Kate chats to Charles and Camilla
The Duke of Cambridge was soon smiling soon again and calming down the little prince who seemed overwhelmed by the crowds
Kate holds her baby daughter in her arms as she takes the little girl, dressed in the traditional royal christening gown, into church
Nine week old Princess Charlotte was seen crying and fidgeting as her mother tried to settle her as she was carried into the church
Kate, dressed all in ivory, pushed Charlotte in a traditional-style black pram while George - who turns two on July 22 - walked alongside his parents, clutching his father's hand tightly. It is only the second time Princess Charlotte has been seen in public, and the first time the family have been photographed together.
George was dressed in an outfit of red shorts and a white embroidered shirt - almost identical to the one worn by his father when he was taken as a young boy to meet brother Prince Harry for the first time. He even waved at the waiting well-wishers and was greeted by his great-grandmother the Queen after the ceremony.
And there was a further nod to royal tradition as Kate pushed large traditional silver wheeled Millson pram - once used for the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
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.
Kate was dressed in an ivory Alexander McQueen outfit with Jane Taylor hat.
The little girl seemed almost oblivious to the fuss going on around her as she lay in the pram pushed by her mother
The couple waved at the crowds of hundreds of wellwishers, as they took their children to church, William holding George by the hand
IT was only the second time that Princess Charlotte, who was born in May, has been seen out in public since leaving the Lindo Wing after she was born
William looks to be assuring his young son, while Kate beamed as she pushed her daughter in Millson pram once used by the Queen to carry the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex
It is only the second time Princess Charlotte has been seen in public, and the first time the family have been photographed together
Also making their way to the church were Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, sister Pippa and brother James, as well as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, although Prince Harry, who is currently in Nambia, missed out.
Like Kate, her mother and sister were wearing cream outfits, with the Queen in pale pink and Camilla - who nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction when a gust of wind left her clutching her skirt to stop it blowing up, was wearing a pale blue dress and matching hat.
The other guests arrived by car, while William, Kate and their children were the only ones to arrive on foot.
Charlotte's five godparents among them Adam Middleton, the duchess's cousin, and the Honourable Laura Fellowes, 35, a niece of Princess Diana were also seen entering the church, where the royal family worship on Christmas Day each year.
The church is also where Diana herself was christened in 1961, a further nod to William's mother, who was also honoured by the couple when they chose Charlotte's middle names, Elizabeth Diana.
The princess was christened in a short private service conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Rev Justin Welby, supported by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the rector of the Sandringham group of parishes.
The Queen, dressed in a pink floral dress with matching coat and hat, makes her way into the church for this afternoon's service, but the wind was almost too much for the Duchess of Cornwall, who nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction
Charlotte's aunt Pippa Middleton and grandmother Carole arrived at the church together, both of them wearing cream outfits and hats
Camilla waves as she is driven to the church, wearing a blue dress, matching hat and dazzling string of pearls
Prince William's cousin, Laura Fellowes (centre) - who is the daughter of Princess Diana's older sister, was chosen as one of Charlotte's godparents for the service
Ms Fellowes and her husband (left) and some of her fellow godparents James Meade, who read a lesson at the service, with wife Lady Laura Marsham (centre) and Kate's cousin Adam Middleton with his wife Rebecca (just seen, right)
Kate's father Michael Middleton with Camilla, his son James and wife Carole as they left the service
The Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa arrived at the church in a cream coat alongside their father Michael, left, also attending was their brother James, right xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCharlotte, who is fourth in line to the throne, was baptised using water from the River Jordan and the 174-year-old silver gilt Lily Font, which was brought to Norfolk especially from the Tower of London where it is usually kept alongside the Crown Jewels.
Standing beside the font as Charlotte was christened were her five godparents, who along with Mr Middleton and Laura Fellowes, include William's close friends Thomas van Straubenzee and James Meade, and Kate's friend Sophie Carter.
During the service, members of the coronation sang two hymns chosen by William and Kate, Praise to the Lord, The Almighty, which was sung at the Westminster Abbey service marking the Queen's diamond jubilee in June 2013, and Come Down, O Love Divine.
They also heared anthems I Will Sing With The Spirit and God Be In My Head, both by John Rutter, sung by members of the Sandringham Church Choir, as well as Ralph Vaughan Williams' Prelude on 'Rhosymedre' - processional organ music which William and Kate selected for their marriage ceremony at Westminster Abbey and which featured at the wedding of William's parents the Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, as well as Handel's Overture and Allegro from Concerto VIII in A, performed on the organ.
George was dressed in an outfit of red shorts and a white embroidered shirt - almost identical to the one worn by his father when he was taken as a young boy to meet brother Prince Harry for the first time
Charlotte could be heard crying as they approached the church door with Kate having to pick her up to settle her
Kate was dressed in an ivory Alexander McQueen outfit with Jane Taylor hat. She famously wore a dress created by Sarah Burton for the design house for her wedding to William in 2011
Prince George's little legs were too tired for him to walk after the ceremony and he was given a carry by his father the Duke of Cambridge, while Princess Charlotte was once again pushed in a pram by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge
Prince George rested his arm on his father's shoulder as he was carried from the church as his mother the Duchess of Cambridge glanced back to check on him
Prince William crouched down beside his son as he pointed up at Her Majesty, who shared a tender moment with both heirs to the throne
The little prince turns two later this month, and is third in line to the throne, after his grandfather Charles and father William
Cheeky George pulled this funny face at the waiting photographers and balanced on one leg while his parents chatted to the Queen, Prince Philip and Camilla
The mischievous little prince also tried to play with the wheels of his sister's pram, left, before nanny Maria Borrallo dressed in her Norland nanny uniform, quickly stopped him
Kate had borrowed the vintage pram once used by the Queen to transport her younger sons, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex when they were babies
George again clutches his father's hand as the family left church and made their way back to the main Sandringham property on foot
Wellwishers lined the route from the church to Sandringham House and they were delighted when Prince George, who is almost two, gave them a wave
Prince George seemed at times overwhelmed by the crowds that came out to greet the family making their way to the church for his sister's christening
Godfather James Meade read a lesson from Matthew 18, verses 1-5, also selected by Kate and William.
After a short service lasting just over half an hour, the royals began emerging from the church.
Earlier, the Queen and Prince Philip arrived at the church for a quiet Sunday service ahead of this afternoon's christening.
Her Majesty, who was elegant in a lilac coat and matching hat, and the Duke were ushered into the church via a back entrance, having arrived together in a Land Rover driven by 94-year-old Philip.
The royal couple have been staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate for the past couple of days and they later hosted a tea for Charlotte and fellow christening guests at the main house.
On the way back to Sandringham House, it all got a bit too much for Prince George, who began crying and his father the Duke of Cambridge had to kneel down to settle him
The Duchess, who was pushing Princess Charlotte's pram put a hand on her husband's back as he tried to bargain with the toddler
Eventually the little prince was scooped up into his father's arms and carried back to Sandringham House, where the Queen was hosting a tea party for guests of the christening
Guests were treated to sandwiches and tea, as well as slices of the two-month-old princess' christening cake - one of the eight tiers from the fruitcake served at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in 2011.
George’s seven godparents included just one family member - Zara Phillips. The rest were Oliver Baker, who attended St Andrews University with William and Kate; Hugh Grosvenor, a family friend who is the son of the Duke of Westminster; Julia Samuel, who was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales; William van Cutsem; Emilia Jardine-Paterson who went to Marlborough College with Kate; and the Duke and Duchess’s former private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.
Although the ceremony, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby, was private, the Duke and Duchess agreed to allow members of the public into the area outside the church known as the paddock to see Charlotte and the royals as they made their way to and from the venue - much like the arrangements for the Christmas Day service.
Unofficial estimates placed the number of well-wishing members of the public at around at 3,500, with some royal fans camping outside the church overnight, eager to bag the best vantage point from which to spot the family's arrival.
At the front of the waiting crowd was Terry Hutt, 80, from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, who camped out overnight, and spent three weeks doing the same outside the Lindo Wing in the run-up to Princess Charlotte's birth.
The Queen waves as she and Prince Philip are driven away from the church following the ceremony, which lasted around 30 minutes
Earlier, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the church for Sunday prayers before Charlotte's christening
Her Majesty was elegant in a lilac ensemble tipped with a matching hat and a pearl and diamond brooch during her earlier trip
Wearing a Union Jack suit and hat, he said: 'I follow the royals all over the country and I have done for years. 'I just think they're wonderful and they always make me feel very welcome at their events.
'This is such a happy occasion and I just wanted to be part of it. I didn't get too much sleep last night and it's a bit wet but I'm sure it will all be worth it.'
Lindy Diaper was also among the crowd with her step-daughter Charlotte, 15, after travelling from Suffolk. She said: 'We've got wet and it's been a long wait but we're hoping to get a good position to see them arriving.
'Charlotte's delighted to share a name with the Princess and we're both really excited to be here.'
Kerrie Sokalsky travelled from Horsford, Norfolk, with her daughter Mary, five, and her friend Jenna Feaks, also five. She said: 'I've never seen the Queen and I just thought this would be a great opportunity.'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their baby daughter on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington following her birth
William and Kate have released heartwarming photographs of their baby daughter with proud older brother George, but the family had not been photographed as a foursome before
Mary said: 'I'm most excited about seeing the baby because she's a Princess.'
Prime Minister David Cameron has tweeted: 'My best wishes to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Princess Charlotte's Christening today.'
Among those who made the journey to Sandringham were Dean and Caroline Childs travelled from Stowmarket, Suffolk, with daughters Lily, 11, and Grace, six.
Mrs Childs said: 'It's a great thing to do as a family. We've seen William and Kate before but this will be the first time we've seen George and Charlotte.'
Anyone bringing flowers was asked to give them to representatives of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), where Kate is a patron, who will then take them to hospices in the region.
At the front of the crowd was seasoned royal watcher Terry Hutt, 80, from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, who camped out overnight
A large crowd of well-wishers were eager to catch a glimpse of the royals, especially nine-week-old Charlotte
Six-year-old Grace Childs, from Stowmarket in Suffolk, holds up a sign that reads: 'I love you Prince George X'
Despite a wet start to the day, the crowds were in good spirits with many carrying Union Jack flags and signs
Along with Mr Hutt (left), Laurie Spencer, 52, from Florida (right), who gave up a £770 ticket to the Grand Prix to attend the christening
Huddled under umbrellas, royal fans eagerly waited close to the church, hoping to catch a glimpse of Princess Charlotte
Some of the waiting crowd said numbers were smaller than expected because of the wet weather
Members of the Royal family, including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, were also in attendance as the nine-week-old princess was baptised at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham (pictured)
Charlotte was baptised using the ornate Lily Font, pictured with the matching christening ewer (right), which is usually on show as part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
The font was used at the christenings of all of the Queen’s children and her grandchildren - except Princess Eugenie - including Princess Charlotte’s father William and her older brother, George
MEET THE GODPARENTS: THE FIVE TASKED WITH MENTORING PRINCESS
Laura Fellowes
The Hon Laura Fellowes, 34, is William's cousin and the daughter of Princess Diana's older sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. Laura's father Baron Fellowes was private secretary to the Queen throughout the notoriously tricky 1990s.
Based in Norfolk, she is part of the so-called 'Turnip Toffs' country set who are friendly with William and Kate, who have been living in their Sandringham country home Anmer Hall since Charlotte's birth.
The Hon Laura Fellowes, 34, is William's cousin and the daughter of Princess Diana's older sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. She is pictured left in 2011, and right with William at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of York
Laura married City banking figure Nick Pettman at Snettisham, in Norfolk, in 2009, with William and Kate among the guests - an appearance which prompted speculation the pair's engagement was imminent. The couple now have two sons.
As a child, Laura was famously pictured as a bridesmaid with William when he was spotted misbehaving - sticking his tongue out and yawning - as a pageboy at the Duke and Duchess of York's wedding.
Thomas van Straubenzee
Chartered surveyor, Thomas van Straubenzee, 33, has known William since both attended Ludgrove prep school in Berkshire, and he accompanied the Prince to New Zealand on his gap year.
Known simply as 'Van' to his friends, he is a key figure in the Duke and Duchess's inner circle.
William's friends Thomas van Straubenzee (left) and James Meade (right) are among Princess Charlotte's five godparents, who were announced ahead of this afternoon's christening
He worked at Strutt & Parker estate agents, and as a property finder, and in 2012 set up VanHan, a London estate agency, which has offices in London, Dubai, Moscow and Hong Kong.
Mr van Straubenzee's friendship with both William and Harry made headlines in 2011 when he was mugged at knifepoint in Battersea while talking on the phone to Harry, and concerned Prince drove across town to check on him.
He married Lady Melissa Percy, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, at St Michael's Church in Northumbria in 2013. Kate was heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time and unable to attend, but both William and Harry were ushers at the ceremony and Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy was a bridesmaid.
James Meade
James Meade went to Eton with William and has been a good friend since school. He is the son of Olympic gold medallist equestrian Richard Meade.
He is also close to Kate and even accompanied her to the Badminton Horse Trials after her brief split from William in May 2007.
Mr Meade, known to his friends as 'Meadey', once took part in a charity boxing match at Boodles Boxing Ball in 2008 - watched by William and Kate, under the nickname 'the Badger'.
He is married to Lady Laura Marsham, daughter of the 8th Earl of Romney. Kate missed their wedding to look after Prince George who was only a few months old at the time, but William, who was an usher, Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton all attended.
Kate's cousin Adam Middleton, pictured her other cousin Lucy, is another of Princess Charlotte's godfathers, while Kate's friend Sophie Carter, pictured with her at Wimbledon in 2008, is a godmother
Adam Middleton
Adam Middleton is Kate's cousin and she is friendly with him, along with another cousin Lucy Middleton, a solicitor.
In June last year, Kate attended Mr Middleton's wedding to interior designer Rebecca Poynton at London's posh Dorchester Hotel. He is the son of Michael Middleton's brother, Richard, and is said to work in Mayfair advising senior business executives.
Sophie Carter
Sophie Carter is an old friend of Kate's. Discreet and trustworthy, she is among the few pals the Duchess turns to when celebrating her birthday. She keeps a low profile, and is the least well known of the five godparents. However, in the past she has been seen accompanying Kate to the annual charity carol concert in aid of the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, of which William is a patron, as well as tennis matches at Wimbledon.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte’s birth - many of them from local people in Norfolk - and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening.'
Just like George’s baptism, most of the senior royals were missing from the service. In October 2013 when George was christened at the Chapel Royal, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex were not among the guests.
Charlotte and George’s full-time live-in nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo was on hand at the church, but the Princess’s uncle, Prince Harry, missed the event, having already left to spend three months in Africa.
The ceremony had a historical link to Charlotte’s late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales - who died in a car crash 18 years ago.
St Mary Magdalene is where Diana was christened on August 30, 1961. She was born at Park House on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where she spent her childhood.
Princess Charlotte's appearance was only the second glimpse of the Princess in public since she was born, although William and Kate have released heartwarming photographs of their baby daughter with proud older brother George, which were taken by the Duchess.
Just like George, 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.
And she was baptised using the ornate Lily Font, which was specially commissioned by Queen Victoria to prevent her family being tarnished by association with the illegitimate children of one of her predecessors, and is usually on show as part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
It was used at the christenings of all of the Queen’s children and her grandchildren - except Princess Eugenie - including Princess Charlotte’s father William and her older brother, George.
Martin Swift, the Crown Jeweller who is in charge of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, said Queen Victoria commissioned the font to avoid a distasteful association with the Charles II font, which had previously been used for Royal christenings.
He said: 'Charles II insisted on having all his children baptised using the Charles II font, but all his children were born out of wedlock, which is why when he passed his brother James became king.
'She didn’t like that association, so ordered the commissioning of the Lily Font.'
Alongside the Lily Font was a christening ewer, made of solid silver and similarly gilded, which dates from 1735 and was made for the christening of George III.
Kate and William proudly showed off the sleeping newborn, who was wrapped in a shawl and a bonnet, to the world as they left the Lindo Wing. George had been to visit his new sibling earlier, but was taken home separately while his parents stayed with his sister
George was pictured with his parents and other members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Trooping the Colour last month, but baby Charlotte stayed at home
CHARLOTTE'S CHRISTENING GOWN DRAWS ON ROYAL HISTORY
Prince George dressed in the lace gown his younger sister will wear for his own christening in October 2013
Royal babies are christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter.
Prince George wore the frilly cream outfit in 2013, as did Lord Frederick Windsor’s daughter Maud later the same year.
It was created by the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly, and features the same lengthy skirt and elaborate collars and bow as its predecessor.
The original Honiton lace and white satin robe, made in 1841, was last used in 2004, when the Queen commissioned the handmade copy so the historic outfit could be carefully preserved.
The 19th century gown was fashioned for the christening of Victoria, the Princess Royal, and was used for generation after generation of royal infants including the Queen’s father King George VI, the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, with Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor the last royal baby to wear it in 2004.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex’s son Viscount Severn became the first royal infant to wear the new robe at his christening in 2008, and it was also worn by Peter Phillips's children Savannah and Isla.
It is not known if it was used at the christening of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's daughter, Mia, in November 2014 - a private ceremony in Gloucestershire.
Baptisms are a must for Windsor babies. The Queen is Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Prince George will one day take on the role when he becomes king, but his younger sister Princess Charlotte - as only a spare to the heir - will be free from such responsibility.
Royal infants are often welcomed into the Christian faith within weeks of being born.
Charlotte was only nine weeks old at her christening. George was three months old at his. William was baptised on August 4 1982 at the age of six weeks, while the Prince of Wales was one month and one day old at his own christening. The Queen was five weeks old when she was christened.
George was the first future monarch in modern times not to be baptised at Buckingham Palace, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge choosing the intimate Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace instead.
He was on his best behaviour, blowing bubbles beforehand and being quiet and peaceful afterwards.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte was repeating history by being christened in the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.
The last great-granddaughter of a serving sovereign to be born in direct succession on the male line - Princess Mary - was also baptised in the same church 118 years ago in 1897.
St Mary Magdalene was also where Charlotte’s late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was christened on August 30, 1961. Diana was born at Park House on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where she spent her childhood.
Other notable christenings at the church include Princess Charlotte’s great-great-grandfather King George VI in 1896. The Duke of Cambridge’s cousin Princess Eugenie - the daughter of the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York - was also baptised there in 1990.
Charlotte's father, William, pictured with parents Charles and Diana (left), wore the original gown for his christening in 1982, as did her grandfather Charles, pictured with the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth), his grandfather George VI, and great-grandmother Queen Mary
Royal christenings are usually private affairs and most royal babies have been christened at royal palaces. William and the Prince of Wales were both christened in Buckingham Palace’s Music Room. The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, was christened in the Palace’s private chapel in 1926.
Charlotte’s older brother Prince George was baptised in October 2013 at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. William and Kate made a 'personal decision' to hold the ceremony there.
It was where the coffin of William’s mother Diana lay before her funeral to allow her family to pay their last respects.
St Mary Magdalene dates back in its present form to the 16th century. Records show there was a rector of Sandringham as far back as 1321.
Princess Charlotte is repeating history by being christened in the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham (pictured)
St Mary Magdalene is used by the Queen when she is at residence on her private estate and is where the royal family worship on Christmas Day each year.
It also features memorials to numerous kings and queens including the Queen’s father George VI, as well as Queen Victoria, Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, George V and Queen Mary.
Close to the Queen’s Sandringham home in Norfolk, it also near to the Cambridges’ country mansion Anmer Hall where William and Kate have been based since Charlotte’s arrival at the start of May.
St Mary Magdalene is used by the Queen when she is at residence on her private estate and is where the royal family worship on Christmas Day each year.
Mario Testino was asked by William and Kate to take the official photographs after the service - with the Queen expected to sit for the world renowned fashion photographer for the first official time as part of the christening party.
The Peruvian - Diana’s favourite photographer - has worked with William and Kate, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the late Princess before, but never done an official shoot which included the Queen.
Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge, who is fourth in line to the throne, was born on May 2 at 8.34am, weighing 8lbs 3oz.
Kate and William proudly showed their sleeping baby princess, who was wrapped in a shawl and a bonnet, to the world as they left the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, London, just hours later on the same day.
George had been to visit his new sibling earlier, but was taken home separately while his parents stayed with his sister.
He was pictured with his parents and other members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Trooping the Colour last month, but baby Charlotte stayed at home.
An official photo from Prince George's christening shows how the ceremony is an intimate affair, with just close immediate family invited along with godparents and spouses
THE ROYAL CHRISTENING RUN DOWN: TEN THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT BAPTISMS AMONG 'THE FIRM'
Privacy is key
Royal baptisms for Windsor babies are usually private, except for Princess Eugenie’s. She became the first royal baby to have a public christening - during morning service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene at Sandringham in 1990.
Lots of godparents are the norm
Rather than just three godparents - the minimum suggested by the Church of England, royal babies have a lot more. Prince George has seven, the Duke of Cambridge has six, the Queen had six, while the Prince of Wales had eight.
The Queen, pictured with her parents George VI (then the Duke of York) and the Queen Mother (then the Duchess of York) at her christening in 1926 had six godparents
Queen Victoria (pictured) staged a lavish celebration at Windsor for her son Edward VII’s christening in 1842
They used to be an extravagant affair
Queen Victoria staged a lavish celebration at Windsor for her son Edward VII’s christening in 1842. She wore her Sovereign of the Garter robes and a diamond tiara and organised a long day of grand events including a state banquet and a christening cake over eight feet in diameter.
Timings can be tricky
According to biographer Andrew Morton, Diana, Princess of Wales, complained she was not consulted over the best time for Prince William’s christening in 1982. 'Nobody asked me when it was suitable for William. 11 o’clock couldn’t have been worse,' she said.
An element of mystery
In Denmark, royal babies’ names are not revealed until the christening. This is not usually the protocol in the UK - but in 1948 the Prince of Wales’s first name Charles remained a mystery for an entire month after his birth and was only declared ahead of his baptism in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace.
It’s not always plain sailing
Queen Victoria’s mother the Duchess of Kent broke down sobbing during her daughter’s christening in 1819 when a cantankerous Prince Regent refused to allow her to name her daughter Georgiana and insisted she be called Alexandrina Victoria instead.
Guests have been troublesome in the past
At the christening of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Alice, in 1843, the Queen’s uncle, Ernest, King of Hanover, arrived late, behaved rudely and made a public fuss in a dispute with Victoria over the ownership of certain royal jewels.
The sooner the better
Royal christenings take place soon after birth. Princess Charlotte is only nine weeks old. One of the longest waits for a christening was for Princess Eugenie, who was nine months old.
Some guests spend a lot of time picking their clothes
The couture designer who made Pippa Middleton’s cream coat for George’s christening, Suzannah Crabb said 'hours of research' went into the history of royal christenings so as to make Pippa an outift with the right hem length, style of hat, colour and cut.
But an ensemble can be a thrifty investment
The Princess Royal opted for a sunshine yellow hat for daughter Zara Phillips’ christening in 1981. She made good use of it 32 years later, wearing it on an official engagement to Windermere, Cumbria in 2013.
According to biographer Andrew Morton, Diana, Princess of Wales (pictured holding her son alongside the Queen, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh), complained she was not consulted over the best time for Prince William’s christening in 1982
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3149880/Cambridges-pictured-family-four-time-Princess-Charlotte-s-christening-today.html#ixzz3f6vmpQJw
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