Will and Kate to break tradition for royal christening
Posted October 20, 2013 10:55 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
On June 1, 1926 Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was christened in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. She was carried by a nanny from her Mayfair home, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who would later be crowned King Geogre VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Prince Charles, first-in-line to the throne, was christened on 15 December, 1948 in the music room at Buckingham Palace. The choir from St James’s Palace were bused in for the ceremony.
Proud parents Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip posed for photos and newsreel footage, alongside the Queen’s father, King George VI and his mother Queen Mary. Four generations of former, current and future monarchs all together.
On August 4, 1982 Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s first-born, Prince William was also christened in the music room at Buckingham Palace.
William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, was christened at Windsor Castle at St George’s Chapel on December 2, 1984.
Now, William’s son, Prince George, third-in-line to the throne, will break with tradition of high-ranking royal christenings at Buckingham Palace and be inducted into the church at Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace.
He will wear a replica of a 172-year old custom-made, one-of a-kind christening gown. The original gown was made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter and has been worn at the christenings of more than 30 babies, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William.
Around 10 years ago it was decided the ancient gown was too delicate to be used again and so the Queen commissioned an exact replica of the royal heirloom made of intricate lace and satin.
Prince George will be christened on Wednesday October 23 in a private 45 minute ceremony conducted by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The guest list has not been released, but Kensington Palace has said “close members of both families” will attend.
The names of George’s godparents are also yet to be announced, but it is believed they will be close friends of William and Kate’s and not high-ranking famous people.
The public will see the Duke and Duchess and guests arriving and deparing from St James’s Palace and a photograph will be released from the ceremony itself afterwards.
