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The inside scoop! Princess Charlotte's christening is a historic moment for many reasons. Not only is it a big day for the little princess herself (who is fourth in line to the throne), but it's also the first time in three generations that a senior royal will be accessible to the public on her baptism day.
But while hundreds of eager members of the public gathered in the well-wishers' paddock outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England to be part of the occasion and catch a glimpse of the newly-christened 2-month-old princess, inside the church, the ceremony itself was a private affair for fewer than 30 guests.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two hymns, one lesson, and two anthems for the christening of their daughter, Princess Charlotte. The hymns chosen for the intimate congregation to sing were "Praise to the Lord" and "The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine."
One of Prince William's closest friends, James Meade, was chosen to read the lesson (which is from Matthew 18, verses 1-5). The Sandringham Church Choir were on hand to help the congregation out with their hymns and to sing the anthems, "I Will Sing With The Spirit" and "God Be In My Head," both by John Rutter.
After the ceremony, the processional organ music was R. Vaughan Williams' Prelude on "Rhosymedre. This was also used as a processional organ music for the Duke and Duchess's wedding at Westminster Abbey as well as being featured at the wedding of Prince William's parents, the Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981.
The christening itself was conducted by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby who also christened her brother, Prince George. The Archbishop was supported by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of the Sandringham group of parishes.
The baby princess was doused in holy water taken from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. According to tradition, royal babies are christened using the ornate silver gilt lily font, which is usually on show as part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and which has been used for almost all royal baptisms since 1841.
While the actual ceremony was conducted behind the closed doors of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Mario Testino is taking the official photos.
The first guests arrived at approximately 4:25 p.m. local time, and all of those attending the service came within the next eight minutes. Prince William held his son's hand as Kate pushed the carriage with Princess Charlotte. The infant was crying when they carried her out of the pram.
Other guests of importance included Charlotte's great-grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, plus her grandparents Prince of Wales Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, Michael and Carole Middleton.
Sadly, Charlotte's uncle Prince Harry was not in attendance as he is currently spending the summer in Namibia to work with the Nature Conservancy and Save the Rhino Trust.
Following the service, the duke and duchess will host a tea at Sandringham House where guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier from their wedding cake.
But while hundreds of eager members of the public gathered in the well-wishers' paddock outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England to be part of the occasion and catch a glimpse of the newly-christened 2-month-old princess, inside the church, the ceremony itself was a private affair for fewer than 30 guests.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two hymns, one lesson, and two anthems for the christening of their daughter, Princess Charlotte. The hymns chosen for the intimate congregation to sing were "Praise to the Lord" and "The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine."
One of Prince William's closest friends, James Meade, was chosen to read the lesson (which is from Matthew 18, verses 1-5). The Sandringham Church Choir were on hand to help the congregation out with their hymns and to sing the anthems, "I Will Sing With The Spirit" and "God Be In My Head," both by John Rutter.
After the ceremony, the processional organ music was R. Vaughan Williams' Prelude on "Rhosymedre. This was also used as a processional organ music for the Duke and Duchess's wedding at Westminster Abbey as well as being featured at the wedding of Prince William's parents, the Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981.
The christening itself was conducted by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby who also christened her brother, Prince George. The Archbishop was supported by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of the Sandringham group of parishes.
The baby princess was doused in holy water taken from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. According to tradition, royal babies are christened using the ornate silver gilt lily font, which is usually on show as part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and which has been used for almost all royal baptisms since 1841.
While the actual ceremony was conducted behind the closed doors of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Mario Testino is taking the official photos.
The first guests arrived at approximately 4:25 p.m. local time, and all of those attending the service came within the next eight minutes. Prince William held his son's hand as Kate pushed the carriage with Princess Charlotte. The infant was crying when they carried her out of the pram.
Other guests of importance included Charlotte's great-grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, plus her grandparents Prince of Wales Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, Michael and Carole Middleton.
Sadly, Charlotte's uncle Prince Harry was not in attendance as he is currently spending the summer in Namibia to work with the Nature Conservancy and Save the Rhino Trust.
Following the service, the duke and duchess will host a tea at Sandringham House where guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier from their wedding cake.
