Ever since Prince Louis’ royal arrival on April 23, the world has been waiting eagerly for his next public appearance.
Now, the day has finally come.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have stepped out to The Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London to christen their 7-week-old son. Accompanying them were their adorable brood – Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also in attendance, as well as Pippa and James Middleton.
Following in his siblings’ footsteps, Louis’ service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who christened George in October 2013 and Charlotte in July 2015 — and most recently officiated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding.
As is with most royal christenings, several traditions were followed.
The royal christening gown
Prince Louis wore the same old-fashioned christening gown that his older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte wore to their christenings.
The intricate lace gown is a royal family heirloom – a replica of the original worn by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s eldest daughter, Victoria, during her baptism.
The couple commissioned the gown in 1841, and used the same fabrics from the Queen’s wedding dress the previous year – Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace.
After being worn by 62 royal babies, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William, the gown was deemed too fragile to wear, so a replica was created to continue the tradition.
The location
Just like Prince George and Princess Beatrice, Prince Louis will be christened at the Chapel Royal in St James’ Palace in London. Though royal christening’s usually occur in Buckingham Palace, the chapel has a special place in the monarchy, having housed several important occasions.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert wed in the chapel, and the heart of Queen Mary is buried inside.
Recently, Meghan Markle was baptised in the chapel ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry, while Kate Middleton was confirmed there before she wed Prince William.
It’s also where the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales laid for a week before her burial.
The baptismal font
Prince Louis will be christened in the Lily Font, a silver gilt font and bowl decorated in lilies, ivy and cherubs.
The vessel has been used by the British monarchy since 1841, when Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Victoria was christened. When not in use, it is found inside the Tower of London.
Princess Eugenie is the only one of Queen Elizabeth II’s children and grandchildren not to be baptised in the Lily Font; hers was a public christening instead.
The godparents
Royal children are usually given six godparents, and they do not have to be members of the royal family.
Prince George has seven godparents – including Zara Tindall – while his little sister Princess Charlotte has five.
Prince Charles was given eight godparents at his royal christening.
Kensington Palace announced Prince Louis’ six godparents here.
The family photograph
Just like any other family, a baptism calls for a grand family portrait!
One of the most famous royal portraits comes from Prince Harry’s royal christening in 1984. Prince William stole the show, adorably getting in the middle of the portrait.
Our bets are on Princess Charlotte doing the same.
