Royals Christen Charlotte

Of course, there's a vintage pram involved
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 5, 2015 11:52 AM CDT
Royals Christen Charlotte
Prince William, wife Kate, their son Prince George and daughter Princess Charlotte arrive for Charlotte's christening in Sandringham, Sunday, July 5, 2015.   (Chris Jackson/Pool photo via AP)

Prince William and wife Kate marked a milestone for their newborn Princess Charlotte today—a christening ceremony on Queen Elizabeth's country estate steeped in royal tradition. Hundreds of fans outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham cheered as William and Kate arrived with Prince George and 9-week-old Charlotte, who was in a vintage pram. It was only the second time Britain's newborn princess, fourth in line to the throne, has been seen in public since she was born May 2. Like George before her, Charlotte was dressed in a replica of the lace-and-satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, also named Victoria, in 1841. Until 2008, that gown was worn by all royal babies—including the queen—at their christenings.

Following royal tradition, holy water from the River Jordan was used for the baptism. The 16th-century church is where Charlotte's late grandmother, Princess Diana, was christened in 1961. The ceremony was private—the queen, husband Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Kate's family were among a small group of guests allowed inside. Guests also included five godparents that William and Kate chose for Charlotte, including William's cousin Laura Fellowes, Kate's cousin Adam Middleton, and three of the couple's friends. Today's event saw William, Kate, George, and Charlotte appear in public for the first time as a family of four. Celebrity photographer Mario Testino will take official photos of the royal family after the service. (More Prince William stories.)

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