Already have an account?
Get back to the
Entertainment

Doting Mother Kate Middleton Couldn’t Be Prouder at Prince Louis’ Christening

Tags:

Prince Louis’ christening is finally here and the cherubic 11-week-old has grown up so much since we last saw him. The royal family was out in full force as they came together at The Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace in London for Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge’s baptism and initiation into the Church of England.

TK

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Among the notable royal attendees were Louis’ proud grandfather Prince Charles, his wife Duchess Camilla, uncle and aunt Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte. On Kate’s side, mom Carole Middleton, dad Michael Middleton, brother James Middleton, and pregnant sister Pippa Middleton attended.

Sadly, Prince Louis’ great-grandparents Queen Elizabeth, 92, and Prince Philip, 96, did not attend. However, it’s believed the decision was made not because of health reasons but due to the queen’s hectic upcoming schedule. The 92-year-old will travel back from Norfolk on Monday before stepping out at the centenary of the RAF on Tuesday, followed by a meeting with President Donald Trump in Windsor on Friday. The queen was forced to cancel an appearance last week due to a “summer cold.”

Since Prince Philip retired in May last year, he has undergone hip surgery and has been keeping a low profile. According to The Express, the queen decided not to attend some time ago and has the Cambridges’ blessing.

Of course, all eyes were on the sleeping chubby-cheeked royal, who was carried into the baptism by his doting mother, who looked stunning in a cream dress by Alexander McQueen and a fascinator by Jane Taylor. The sleeping prince looked peaceful and unaware of all the fuss around him as his beaming mother carried him into the service. Prince Louis’ aunt, the Duchess of Sussex, dazzled in a khaki Ralph Lauren frock and a Stephen Jones hat.

TK

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

From the gown to the water and even the day’s date, the day’s celebrations were full of sacred royal traditions. Prince Louis wore the same cream gown his older siblings donned for their christenings. The new royal christening gown is a replica of the lace garment made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria in 1841, which was worn at royal christenings up until 2008 but was replaced with an exact match as it became too fragile to wear.

The christening was carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the most senior-ranking bishop in the Church of England. For the service, the palace revealed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge “have chosen two hymns, two lessons, and two anthems for the christening of their son, Prince Louis.” The hymns are “O Jesus, I Have Promised” and “Lord of All Hopefulness.”

All royal babies are christened with holy water from the River Jordan in the Middle East by the sacred Lily Font bowl, which has been in the royal family and used in baptisms since 1841. In a touching tribute to the queen and Prince Philip, July 9 also marked the anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip’s engagement in 1947, exactly 71 years earlier.

TK

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

After fevered speculation, Kensington Palace announced the full lineup of Prince Louis’ six godparents: Mr. Nicholas van Cutsem, Mr. Guy Pelly, Mr. Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, The Lady Laura Meade, Mrs. Robert Carter, and Miss Lucy Middleton.

Since his April 23 arrival, the fifth in line to the British throne has been bonding with his family at their 1A Kensington Palace apartment. While the newborn royal has been too young to attend recent events, including the royal wedding and Trooping the Colour parade, he was spotted in May with his mom, Duchess Catherine, and big sister Charlotte enjoying a walk around Kensington Gardens in London in his stroller.

TK

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton introduced the world to their third child on the steps of St. Mary’s hospital shortly after his arrival. And just a few weeks later in early May, the Cambridges released a beautiful set of new photos featuring Prince Louis and his big sister to celebrate Princess Charlotte’s third birthday and to thank fans for their support following their son’s birth.

A huge congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on Prince Louis’ baptism — we can’t wait to see the first official family photos!

This post was written by Bella Brennan. For more, check out our sister site Now to Love.

More From Woman’s World

Never-Before-Seen Photo of Young Prince George Proves He’s Always Been the King of Cute

When It Comes to His Favorite Meals, Prince Charles Is All About the Cheese

Mia Tindall’s Dad Sets the Record Straight on How to Pronounce the Royal Cousin’s Name

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.