Prince Louis: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s youngest child christened

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s youngest child has been christened. The royals — minus Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip — gathered to witness Prince Louis’ christening on Monday at The Chapel Royal at St James Palace in London.

Prince Louis Arthur Charles, 11 weeks old, was sleeping as he was held by his mum, the Duchess of Cambridge, on their way to the chapel. Louis was wearing a replica of the Royal Christening Robe, the original of which was worn by the Queen herself, as well as her children and grandchildren. Kate, meanwhile, was wearing a cream suit dress from Alexander McQueen and a matching headpiece from Jane Taylor, People reports.

Dad Prince William held the hands of his older children, Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 3, as they greeted the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at the door of the chapel. George and Charlotte were also christened by the archbishop in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

The event was the first time since his birth that Louis has been seen in public. It was also the first time the new family of five were seen all together.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex were just a few steps behind them. Their wedding on May 19 was also officiated by Welby. And apparently, Welby performed Meghan’s secret baptism before her wedding to Harry earlier this year.

Also in attendance were Louis’ grandparents on both sides: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Carole and Michael Middleton. Aunt Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthew, as well as uncle James Middleton, came to the baptism were also at the church.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were not present, though. It is understood that their absence was planned some time ago and did not have anything to do with their health. Her Majesty has a busy week ahead of her, while the retired Prince Philip only had a few events he went to this year.

According to the service details released by Kensington Palace ahead of the occasion, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had chosen two hymns, two lessons and two anthems for their son’s christening. One of the anthems was “This is the day the Lord hath made,” which was composed by John Rutter and Suo Gan for the couple’s wedding day on April 29, 2011. It was performed at Louis’ christening by The Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal.

As for Louis’ godparents, William and Kate picked names from their family or friends. They are Mr Nicholas van Cutsem, Mr Guy Pelly, Mr Harry Aubrey-Feltcher, The Lady Laura Meade, Mrs Robert Carter and Miss Lucy Middleton.

Following the service, the guests were invited to Charles and Camilla’s home, the Clarence House, for a private tea. The Palace said the guests would be served with slices of christening cake, which was a tier taken from William and Kate’s wedding cake in 2011.