Britain’s Princess Charlotte christened on royal estate

The royal family and hundreds of fans crowded St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, on Sunday to celebrate the christening of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Photo / AP Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge carries her daughter Princess Charlotte into the Church of St Mary Magdalene.

Britain’s Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, arrive for the christening.

The popular royals – Prince William, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, their son Prince George and daughter Princess Charlotte. Adam Middleton (Kate’s cousin), Lady Laura Fellowes (William’s cousin) were both named godparents, along with William’s friends Thomas van Straubenzee and James Mead, and Kate’s friend Sophie Carter. The lace and satin gown made by Queen Elizabeth’s dressmaker is a replica of one first used by the royal family in 1841.

The Princess was christened using holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.

By contrast, the public caught only a glimpse of the guests and godparents at Prince George’s christening at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in October 2013.

Charlotte could be heard crying as they approached the church door with Kate having to pick her up to settle her. Meanwhile, inquisitive George took matters into his own hands and tried to make his way into the church by himself.

Pippa Middleton, the Duchess’s sister, was also at the ceremony wearing a pair of nude Charlotte Olympia heels and white coat and hat. The ceremony lasted about half an hour, after which the guests were taken to Sandringham House and served with tea and christening cake, which also included a tier of William and Kate’s wedding. Princess Charlotte’s christening gown was the same her older brother Prince George wore nearly two years ago. Prince Harry is notably absent since he is curently on three-month trip on Africa.

Although there were many well-wishers waiting to see the royal family arrive and leave for the ceremony, the christening was itself was an intimate affair with only the immediate family in attendance and the five chosen as godparents and their spouses.

The baptism was held in private and was conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby.