Queen Elizabeth II to miss great-grandson’s christening

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will miss the private ceremony during which their great-grandson, Prince Louis, will be christened in here on Monday.

The Buckingham Palace said the decision was not related to any health issues faced by the 92year-old monarch and the 97-yearold Duke of Edinburgh but had been taken "some time ago" that they would not be among the guests at the ceremony in the Chapel Royal at St James Palace.

With the Queen hosting US President Donald Trump later this week, the decision to miss the christening has been linked with her busy week ahead.

Prince Louis, the third child of Prince William and Kate Middleton and fifth-in-line to the British throne, was born on April

23 this year. The christening, or baptism, is a traditional Church of England ceremony of thanksgiving to God.

Kensington Palace announced on Monday that William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, had chosen Nicholas van Cutsem, Guy Pelly, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lady Laura Meade, Hannah Gillingham and Lucy Middleton as the six godparents for their youngest son. They are all friends and family members who will be present at the ceremony led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby tweeted that he was "delighted and privileged" to be baptising the young prince.

“Prince Louis will wear the handmade replica of the Royal Christening Robe, made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen.

The Lily Font and water from the River Jordan will be used during the baptism,” Kensington Palace said, confirming that 11week-old Louis will be wearing the same robe worn by his older brother Prince George and sister Princess Charlotte during their christening ceremonies.