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Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge will be christened today in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace. The 11-week-old will be baptised by the archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, surrounded by his immediate family. Taking to Twitter this morning, the archbishop said, “I’m delighted and privileged to be christening Prince Louis today – a precious child made in God’s image, just as we all are. Please join me in praying for him and his family on this special day.”
The young royal will be dressed in the same christening gown used by his brother and sister Prince George and Princess Charlotte; a long, cream gown replicating the one made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841. The traditional Christian ceremony is expected to begin at 4 pm and will last for approximately 40 minutes. Unlike most children who have two godparents, Prince Louis will have six. This morning, Kensington Palace confirmed, “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have asked the following people to be godparents to Prince Louis, all of whom are friends or family of Their Royal Highnesses: Mr Nicholas van Cutsem; Mr Guy Pelly; Mr Harry Aubrey-Fletcher; The Lady Laura Meade; Mrs Robert Carter; and Miss Lucy Middleton.”
Following the service, Prince William and Kate Middleton will host a private tea at Clarence House. Guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from the couple’s wedding cake. Designed by Fiona Cairns, the cake was made from 17 individual fruit cakes and had eight tiers and features cream and white icing.
Today will mark the first time all five family members will be seen and photographed together. Prince Louis has not been seen in public since his birthday on 23rd April when proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge presented him to the world outside St Mary’s Hospital. He weighed just 8 lbs 7 oz then, and royal admirers are looking forward to seeing how much he has grown.
As for the christening guest list, the Duchess’ sister Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews are expected to attend the intimate ceremony in the oak-panelled chapel. Newly married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will also be attendance, ahead of their visit to Ireland later this week. According to the Sun, Prince Harry has gifted the young royal a first-edition copy of Winnie the Pooh, setting him back approximately £8,000.
Photo: Kensington Palace, Instagram