Family of Four
Princess Charlotte, the newest royal baby and daughter of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, was christened on Sunday, July 5. Not only was it a big day for Charlotte, it was also the first time the Duke and Duchess stepped out in public as a family of four since leaving the hospital after Charlotte's birth. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana Windsor (a nod to Prince William's mother) was born May 2, 2015, to the royal couple.
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Royal Pram Hand-Me-Down
Charlotte's gorgeous ride, the silver cross pram used to push her to and from the ceremony at St. Mary Magdalene Church, was the same pram the Queen used for two of her children.
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An Intimate Gathering
Although thousands of well-wishers lined the streets, the ceremony itself was a private affair attended by only close friends and family members. Big brother Prince George, who will celebrate his second birthday on July 22, enjoyed waving to the crowds as usual!
Charming Charlotte
Charlotte looked happy, healthy and alert both upon arriving and leaving. She handled her big day like the adorable little princess that she is. Before the christening, the royal couple announced that the princess will have five godparents to watch over her: Friends Tom van Straubenzee, James Meade and Sophie Carter, as well as Prince William's cousin Laura Fellowes on his mother's side and Kate Middleton's cousin Adam Middleton.
Babe in Arms
When Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, carried Charlotte in, it gave everyone a chance to see a full view of the baby in a replica of a 174-year-old christening gown originally worn in 1841 by Queen Victoria's eldest daughter. This new incarnation of the original garment was made in 2004 and has only been worn by Charlotte's brother, Prince George, at his 2013 christening. Other exact replica gowns have been worn by 62 royal babies through every generation since the original christening gown was first commissioned.
The Queen’s Approval
The Queen smiled lovingly at her great-granddaughter as the family prepared to leave the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate, a royal family-owned country estate, which is located a little more than 100 miles Northeast of London. Princess Diana was christened at the same church in 1961—yet another nod to Prince William's late mother.
Prince George
Could Prince George be any cuter in his red-and-white outfit, reminiscent of what his father wore when he went to meet his brother, Harry, for the first time? He's all cheeks and adorableness as he stares directly into the lens while this photo was taken.
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Protective Older Brother
Prince George seems to be adapting quite well to the role of big brother and couldn't resist checking on his baby sis while she was in the pram.
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The Radiant Duchess
It's hard to believe that it has only been nine weeks since Kate gave birth. She looks radiant in an impeccably tailored Alexander McQueen coat and floral-trimmed Jane Taylor hat.
The Service
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke about the beauty of character during the ceremony and reminded the congregation that Charlotte's ancestry includes a saint, Russia's Grand Duchess Elizabeth. The Archbishop also presided over Prince George's christening in 2013.
A Family Affair
Visibly absent from family photos from the special day, Princess Charlotte's uncle Prince Harry (who was not chosen as a godparent) did not attend the christening because he is currently spending three months in Africa working as a wildlife conservationist in Namibia. According to British newspapers, as the princess' uncle and a family member who will undoubtedly be a large influence in her life, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge "are understood not to feel the need to honor him with a godparent role."