Special significance of Prince Louis’ christening date

NOT only is July 9 the date Prince Louis will be christened in the Chapel Royal of St James’s Palace — it’s also holds very special significance for the royal family.

AFTER Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, Prince Louis’ christening is the next big royal event on the calendar.

Royal fans will be thrilled at the opportunity to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s family of five out together for the first time on July 9, along with Prince Charles, Camilla, Harry, Meghan, Prince Philip and, of course, the Queen.

And the day will hold extra special meaning for the Queen and her husband as it’s the anniversary of their engagement announcement.

The couple revealed their engagement on July 9, 1947, and married later that year.

Elizabeth and Philip on their wedding day in 1947. Picture: Mega

On November 20, Her Majesty and Prince Philip will celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary.

Prince Louis, who was born on April 23, will be christened in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. It will be the first time we’ve seen the tiniest member of the royal family in public since the day he was born, when he was pictured leaving St Mary’s Hospital with his mum and dad.

William, Kate and Louis leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital. Picture: AFP Photo/Isabel Infantes

The chapel is steeped in royal history. It was the setting for Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840 to Prince Albert.

The Queen’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, married there in 1893.

Prince George was christened in the Chapel Royal, while Princess Charlotte was baptised at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The baby prince will be baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who recently wed Harry and Meghan.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s photo of her son, Louis. Picture: AFP Photo/Kensington Palace