[ad_1]
Official portraits of Prince Louis’ christening were released last night.
The pictures, which were taken by British photographer Matt Holyoak at Clarence House, show the fifth in line to the throne surrounded by his close family.
Why didn’t the Queen and Prince Phillip attend?
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were not in attendance at the ceremony.
However, Buckingham Palace confirmed the decision was made “some time ago” and not on health grounds.
Which royals were there?
In one of the official christening photos, Kate and William are joined by their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pictured too, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla.
The Middleton family were also in attendance including Kate’s parents Carole and Michael.
Kate’s sister Pippa Matthews was there her husband James.
The youngest of the Middleton clan, James, was at the christening too.
Louis’ six godparents were among the guests, including the Prince William’s close friend Guy Pelly.
His other godparents include Nicholas van Cutsem, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lady Laura Meae, Hannah Carter and Lucy Middleton.
The christening ceremony lasted 40 minutes and was held in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace on Monday, July 9.
The Archbishop of Canterbury was pictured bending down to greet George and Charlotte at the entrance to the chapel.
Louis was dressed a cream, frilly lace royal christening gown – a replica of the intricate robe made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841.
During the christening’s processional, Prelude on Rhosymedre by Vaughan Willams was played.
This song was also played at parents Prince Williams and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011, as well as the ceremony at Prince Charles and Diana Spencer in 1981.
Another hymn sung at Prince Louis’ service was This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made, which was composed by John Rutter for Kate and William’s wedding.
Guests of the christening also dined on fruit cake which was originally made for Kate and William’s wedding.
The cake has been preserved and was also served at the christenings of George and Charlotte.
Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge was born on St George’s Day, April 23, at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
[ad_2]
