Queen vows to attend double royal christening despite health concerns

The Queen has reportedly insisted on attending the double christening of her granddaughters’ children, despite fears for her health.

The Queen has vowed to beat the pain and be in church as granddaughters Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall jointly christen their babies.

Her Majesty was forced to pull out of Remembrance Sunday duty after a back sprain, which marked the fourth cancellation from her schedule in the space of a month.

But she has told courtiers she is determined to be present when the second cousins are baptised tomorrow at All Saints Chapel in Great Windsor Park, Berkshire, The Sun reports.

She will make an eleventh-hour decision after taking advice from her personal doctor on the day.

Others present will include Beatrice’s dad Prince Andrew, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

A royal source said: “Her Majesty is very keen to be there as she knows how important this is for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“It’s set to be a heartwarming family occasion and a time of real celebration after what has been some challenging times for certain royals of late, including the Queen herself.

“She is keen to attend such a wonderful event after the great personal disappointment of missing last Sunday’s Remembrance events.”

Queen Elizabeth II returned to “light duties” this week, pictured at Windsor Castle with General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff on November 17. Picture: Steve Parsons – Pool/Getty Images

Experts have since praised the Queen’s sense of family and duty.

Commentator Penny Junor said: “I’ve never heard of two royal babies being christened together like this but it will be wonderful to have the Queen there.

“It would also send a fantastic message to the world that she is not ready to leave us yet.

“She’s very spiritual, a christening is a very important occasion for the head of the Church of England and being there will be of great importance to her.

“She’s very fond of Zara and Mike, and Eugenie too.”

In what is thought to be a royal first, the children will be baptised together.

Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank’s son August was born in February and was meant to be christened in July before the event was cancelled due to Covid.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank with their son, August.

He will be baptised alongside Lucas Philip Tindall, the son of Mike and Zara Tindall, who was born in March.

It is not yet clear which baby, if either of them, will wear the traditional royal christening gown.

Fresh holy water from Prince Charles’s trip to Jordan will be used during the service.

Charles is said to be bringing back around a dozen bottles from the River Jordan — where Jesus was baptised — to use for future royal baptisms.

Zara and Mike Tindall’s baby boy Lucas will also be christened.

The ceremony will be led by Canon Martin Poll, who is chaplain to Great Windsor Park.

It will take place at the private Grade-II listed church which forms part of the Royal Lodge house — the Queen Mother’s former home currently occupied by Prince Andrew and ex-wife Fergie.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission