Britain’s Prince Louis christened
London: Britain’s Prince Louis of Cambridge, the son of Prince William and his wife Catherine, was christened but Queen Elizabeth II did not attend.
The monarch, 92, and her 97-year-old husband Prince Philip had attended the christenings of Louis’ older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
However, the decision for them not to attend Louis’ baptism at St James’ Palace in London was understood to have been mutually agreed by the sovereign and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge some time ago, and was not health-related.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the world’s Anglicans, lead the service in the Chapel Royal on Monday.
Welby baptised Louis by pouring holy water from the River Jordan over his head. The 11-week-old prince was fast asleep as Catherine carried him into the chapel.
She told Welby that Louis was “very relaxed and peaceful”, adding: “I hope he stays like this.”
Louis is fifth in the line of succession to the British throne after his grandfather Prince Charles, his father William, George and Charlotte.
He is one of Queen Elizabeth’s seven great-grandchildren.
From the royal family, the baptism was attended by William’s father Prince Charles and his wife Camilla; William’s brother Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan; plus Louis’ siblings George and Charlotte.
From the duchess’ side, Catherine’s parents Michael and Carole, brother James, pregnant sister Pippa and her husband James Matthews were there.