The royal family — but not the Queen — come together for the christening of Prince Louis
THE royal family — minus a few big names — gathered to celebrate the christening of Prince Louis, but it was Princess Charlotte who again took centre stage.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PRINCESS Charlotte has once again stolen the show and hearts around the world with her impeccable manners at the christening of baby brother Prince Louis.
The three-year-old was seen confidently shaking hands with the Archbishop of Canterbury and The Dean of The Chapel Royal, The Right Reverend and Right Honourable the Lord Chartres before heading inside for the ceremony, reports The Sun.
Prince William could then be heard telling Charlotte: “Well done”.
Later as she left the ceremony, Charlotte gave a cheery wave to crowds gathered outside the chapel at St James’s Palace, carrying the large Order of Service under her arm.
And it’s not the first time that the little Princess has left hearts bursting with affection.
At just 16 months old, she charmed the world by waving to crowds in Canada.
RELATED: Fans baffled by Meghan Markle’s posh new accent
RELATED: Special significance of Prince Louis’ christening date
And last year, she proved she was ever the professional when she greeted wellwishers during a tour of Germany and Poland, accepting bouquets and even performing her first curtsy.
Her adorable nature was also fully on display when she and Prince George arrived at a London hospital in April to meet the newest little Cambridge.
Princess Charlotte was seen waving to crowds the moment she stepped out of the car, and made the most of her moment in the spotlight by turning back on the hospital steps for one final wave before heading to meet her baby brother.
Prince Louis’ birth also made Charlotte the first female royal to retain her claim as third in line to the throne regardless of who was born after her.
Charlotte’s adorable display came as the royal family gathered to celebrate the christening of its newest member, Prince Louis.
The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she carried a sleeping Louis into the Chapel Royal where she was greeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Prince William held hands with Louis’ older siblings George, 4, and Charlotte, 3, as he escorted them in for the service.
In a video posted by the Kensington Palace Twitter account, newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walked hand-in-hand behind the proud parents as they arrive at the chapel. Meghan againpulled focus in a stunning olive green dress with a high neckline and classic fit.
The baptism was attended by William’s father Prince Charles and his wife Camilla; William’s brother Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan; plus Louis’ siblings George and Charlotte.
From the duchess’s side, Kate’s parents Michael and Carole, brother James, pregnant sister Pippa and her husband James Matthews were there.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, however, did not attend.
The monarch, 92, and her 97-year-old husband had attended the christenings of Louis’ older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Members of the Royal Family arrive at St James's Palace for the christening of Prince Louis. pic.twitter.com/3pDk4D898C
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 9, 2018
However, the decision for them not to attend Louis’ baptism at St. James’s Palace in London was understood to have been mutually agreed by the sovereign and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge some time ago, and was not health-related.
Louis is fifth in the line of succession to the British throne after his grandfather Prince Charles, his father William, George and Charlotte.
He is one of Queen Elizabeth’s seven great-grandchildren.
Before the ceremony, Kate told Archbishop of Canterbury that Louis was “very relaxed and peaceful”, adding: “I hope he stays like this.”
Welby used the Lily Font, commissioned by Queen Victoria for the baptism of her first child in 1841 and baptised Louis by pouring holy water from the River Jordan over his head.
Louis wore the replica of the royal christening robe, first used in 2008. The original, retired in order to preserve it, was worn for all royal baptisms since 1841.
‘COURT JESTER’
The six godparents, who also attended with their spouses, are all friends or family of William and Kate.
They include Guy Pelly, once dubbed the “court jester” to William and Harry for his wild ways that were often cited as a bad influence on the brothers in their youth, running their favourite drinking haunts.
Louis’ other godparents are: Nicholas van Cutsem, whose family is close to the royals; William’s school pal Harry Aubrey-Fletcher; Laura Meade, who is married to William’s close friend James Meade; Kate’s schoolfriend Hannah Carter; and the duchess’s cousin Lucy Middleton.
William and Kate hosted a private tea afterwards. As after George and Charlotte’s baptisms, guests will be served slices of the duke and duchess’s wedding cake.
Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge was born on April 23 — St. George’s Day, England’s national day — at St Mary’s Hospital in central London weighing 3.8kg.
Originally published as The royal family — but not the Queen — come together for the christening of Prince Louis