On Monday 9th July, Prince Louis was christened at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace. The service took place at 4:00pm, and was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was, like all royal christenings, a private affair. I like the fact that christenings are private, as the moment between the family, child, and God is an important one, a chance to thank God for the birth of the child, and pray that God will bless the child. It is hoped that the child will grow up to follow Jesus, and live a life blessed by God. It is a moment of thanksgiving and celebration. Since the monarch is the head of the Church of England, it is even more significant.
Louis Arthur Charles was 11 weeks old at his christening. Indeed, the photos released are only the third time we have seen him. Previously, we saw him as he left hospital with his parents, and in the photo released of him with Princess Charlotte. Significantly, this is the first time we have seen the Cambridge’s together as a family of five.
The service was attended by close family. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended, along with Catherine’s family; Carole and Michael Middleton, Pippa and James Matthews, and James Middleton. Surprisingly, the Queen and Prince Philip did not attend. Prince Philip has retired, but since the christening was a private family occasion, it would make sense for him to attend. However, it was decided some time ago that they would not be there, due to the busyness of the Queen’s schedule the rest of this week. The Queen and Prince Philip spent the day travelling from Norfolk. The Queen and her husband attended the christenings of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in the past. The godparents also attended. The godparents were selected by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge from amongst their friends and family.
The Godparents:
Major Nicholas Van-Cutsem, of the Household Cavalry, is a friend of Princes Charles, William and Harry. His daughter, Florence was a bridesmaid at the Sussex’s wedding in May this year.
Guy Pelly is a long term friend of Prince William. He is the son of wealthy landowners in Kent, and is good friends with Prince Harry too. Mr Pelly helped organise William’s stag do, and formally helped run several London nightclubs.
Harry Aubrey-Fletcher is a school friend of the Duke of Cambridge, having attended both Ludgrove and Eton with William. His father is the Lord-lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Lady Laura Meade is the wife of Prince William’s friend James Meade, who went to Eton with William. Lady Laura is also a godparent of Princess Charlotte. She is the daughter of the 8th Earl of Romney.
Hannah Carter went to Marlborough College with the Duchess of Cambridge, and is married to Robert Carter, who is from a family of wealthy landowners.
Lucy Middleton is a cousin of the Duchess of Cambridge, who Catherine is close to, and is a solicitor.
The Ceremony:
The Duchess of Cambridge arrived carrying a sleeping Louis who she said to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was, “very relaxed and peaceful,” and, “I hope he stays like this.” Prince William held the hands of Prince George and Princess Charlotte as they arrived. Prince Louis wore the replica silk and Honiton lace gown that all royal babies wear for their christening. It is a replica of the gown worn by Queen Victoria’s children and their descendants, which is now too fragile to be worn. The replica was made by the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly. The lily font with water from the River Jordan was used to baptise Louis. The service lasted 40 minutes. Hymns sung included Lord of all Hopefulness and O’ Jesus I have Promised. Two anthems were sung by the choir of the Chapel Royal, one of which, This is the day which the Lord hath made, was composed by John Rutter for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2011 wedding. The other anthem was Suo Gan, a traditional Welsh Lullaby.
Guy Pelly read the bible passage, Mark 10:13-16, “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” Lucy Middleton read Ephesians 3:14-19, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
After the Ceremony:
Matt Holyoak has been named as the official photographer of the event, and we eagerly await the official photos! Holyoak also photographed the Queen and Prince Philip for their official 70th Wedding Anniversary photos. After the ceremony, guests attended a private tea, where they were served christening cake, a tier of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s traditional fruit wedding cake, made by Fiona Cairns. Tiers from the cake have been served at Prince George’s christening, also at the Chapel Royal, and Princess Charlotte’s christening, which took place at St. Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a cream Alexander McQueen dress and hat by Jane Taylor. The Duchess of Sussex wore an olive green dress by Ralph Lauren and hat by Stephen Jones.
The Christening details released by Kensington Palace:
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