Prince George's Christening: A Big Day For the Royal Prince
45 Minutes, 22 Guests, Seven Godparents, And Two Very Proud Parents
During the baptism of the third in line to the British throne, the three-month-old Prince George showed his royal behavior: no tears, no crying and only composure. According to German Magazine Bild, the Prince was calm throughout the ceremony held at the Chapel Royal while Prince William seemed a little nervous.
Dubbed as the "Christening of the Year," Prince George's baptism rites were held at 4 p.m. led by with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Clarence House tweeted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose "two hymns, two lessons and two anthems for the christening of their son."
In another tweet, Clarence House added, "The lessons are from St. Luke ch. 18, verses 15-17, read by Miss Pippa Middleton and St. John ch. 15, verses 1-5, read by Prince Harry."
The anthems chosen by Kate Middleton and her husband Prince William, according to sources, included "Blessed Jesu! Here We Stand" by Richard Popplewell and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" by John Rutter.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went against tradition by choosing six close friends and only one relative as Prince George's godparents. Six of the prince's godparents include Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Tindall.
According to the Telegraph, Prince George's elaborate attire was a replica of the "lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter."
After the service, the royal couple with their son and their 22 guests went to Clarence House for the champagne reception hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales.
Sources said guests were offered pieces of the christening cake, a part of Kate Middleton's and Prince William's wedding cake they served for the occasion.
Tabloids published Monday that there were 60 guests in Prince George's christening. Prince Harry's current squeeze Cressida Bonas was invited. However, the 24-year-old was not in the guest list of Prince George's special day.