Three months after he came into the world, Prince George made his 2nd major public appearance Wednesday, when members of the Royal Family gathered in London for his christening.
While the event attracts the attention of royal watchers from around the world, the religious ceremony, which marks the potential future monarch’s admission into the Church of England, was a relatively low-key affair.
While the christening is private, with no TV cameras allowed inside the chapel, here are the details that are publicly known:
The ceremony
The 45-minute private service was scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. local time at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby presiding.
While the location has been the setting for many historic events, including the marriage of Queen Victoria in 1840, it is a break from royal tradition. Buckingham Palace is usually the setting for royal baptisms.
According to the Church of England traditions, a christening ceremony includes a blessing over water from the River Jordan, which is poured on the infant’s head. The child is also signed with the cross, and prayers readings and hymns may also be included.
The Church of England performs more than 10,000 christenings of babies and infants each month. Although The Church doesn’t specify how many adult christenings it conducts, it states: “Everyone is welcome to have a christening in their parish church.”
The gown
For the service, Prince George wore a traditional royal christening gown.
Commissioned by the Queen, the gown is an exact replica of the robe that Queen Victoria had made for her daughter, Victoria. That garment, worn by royal babies over the course of more than 160 years, was retired in 2004 following the baptism of Lady Louise Windsor.
The historic occasion will be memorialized with a photograph of the Queen and the three heirs in line for the throne: Princes Charles, William and George.
It will be the first time since Queen Victoria’s reign that four generations of the Royal Family will be photographed together.
The image is expected to be released to the public following the christening.
Guests
In addition to the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince William, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince George’s mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, others invited to attend the service included the Middletons and Prince Harry.
Princess Anne was not in attendance, as she is currently on a four-day tour of Canada.
Commemorative gifts
To mark the occasion, the British Royal Mint is releasing a collection of commemorative coins featuring the Queen’s image.
Canada Post has also unveiled a stamp featuring Prince George and his parents. The limited edition-stamp is now available online and at local post offices.
According to The Associated Press, Prince George will also receive a wildflower meadow in the Transylvanian Hills of Romania. Prince Charles visits the country every year.
