Princess Charlotte was christened at the church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham on July 5, in a ceremony that was full of special touches to honour Prince William’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The church itself was the same place where Princess Diana was christened in 1961, and her niece, Laura Fellowes, was announced as one of Princess Charlotte’s five godparents. Laura’s mother is Baroness Cynthia Jane Fellowes, an older sister of Princess Diana’s.
As well as that, English composer Vaughan Williams’ piece Prelude on Rhosymedre was one of several performed at the christening. The same piece was played at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding and the wedding of Princes Charles and Princess Diana.
Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princes Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were some of the royals in attendance at the christening. They were joined by Catherine’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton and her siblings Pippa and James.
This year, William and Kate took the unusual step of allowing the public to gather outside the church, despite the christening itself remaining private. As the royal couple walked on foot to the church with Prince George in tow, they were greeted by thousands of well-wishers looking to get a glimpse of the family on their first public outing all together.
Before the ceremony took place, William and Kate announced five godparents for Princess Charlotte. All of the godparents are close family or friends of the couple, although none come from royal circles.
Image: Getty
As well as William’s cousin Laura Fellowes, the godparents include Adam Middleton (Kate’s cousin), Sophie Carter (Kate’s friend), Thomas van Straubenzee and James Meade (both friends of William).
The christening also featured several references to the past, with Princess Charlotte’s christening gown (a replica of the one made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter) also worn by Prince George. The baptismal font has also featured in other royal christenings, and the pram Kate was pushing to the church was used for some of the Queen’s own children.
