CAMBRIDGE CHERUB
William & Kate’s dream baby
THE SWEET WEE PRINCE SLEPT THROUGH HIS CHRISTENING
The baby looked like an angel and behaved like one too. The proud mum was positively radiant as she gazed adoringly at her youngest child – and the guests were all elegant and stylish in colourcoordinated outfits.
But yet again, it was a cheeky three-year-old who stole the show at a royal event. As the Cambridge family were seen all together for the first time at the christening of little Prince Louis, it was his sister Princess Charlotte who captured everyone’s attention with her beaming smile and cheerful wave as she made her way into the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
Then as she left after the 40-minute service for afternoon tea at Clarence House, the confident pre-schooler told the gathered photographers, “You’re not coming.”
As she walked away, Charlotte kept her eyes on the media pack as if to make sure they had got the message and were behaving themselves.
Earlier, she had shown off her good manners when she was introduced to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who officiated at the christening.
She politely shook hands with the Church of England’s senior bishop, earning her a “well done” from her father Prince William (36). The proud dad held hands with his daughter and oldest son Prince George (4) as they arrived.
Louis’ christening was a low-key event, attended just by immediate family members and his six godparents and their spouses. The Queen (92) and Prince Philip were noticeable by their absence, which initially sparked rumours of health problems. But Kensington Palace confirmed that Louis’ great-grandparents had discussed the christening with William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (36), some time ago, and mutually agreed that they would give the service a miss.
A palace spokesman said the health of the monarch and her 97-year-old husband had nothing to do with their non-attendance. They weren’t there because the Queen had a very busy week ahead – the day after the christening, she attended celebrations to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force and was also scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle.
Royals who did attend were Prince Charles (69) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (70) along
with Prince Harry (33) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
The service would have brought back memories for Meghan (36). She was baptised and confirmed into the Church of England in the same chapel – also by the Archbishop of Canterbury – back in March, before her wedding to Harry in May. She and her husband were seen sharing a laugh with Justin as they arrived.
Kate’s parents Michael (69) and Carole Middleton (63) also attended along with her brother James (31) and sister Pippa (34), who was accompanied by her husband James Matthews (42). Pippa, who is pregnant with her first baby, due later this year, wore a blue Alessandra Rich dress.
Unlike her older sister, who has suffered severe morning sickness during each of her pregnancies, Pippa has had no pregnancy illness.
Kate, who gave birth to Louis just 11 weeks ago on April 23, looked stunning in a cream Alexander McQueen dress. McQueen is her go-to designer for her children’s special days – she wore outfits by the label to the christenings of her two older children in 2013 and 2015.
Louis was blissfully unaware of the fuss surrounding his big day. He slept cradled in his mother’s arms as the family arrived at the chapel and greeted the archbishop. Kate was heard telling
Justin that her youngest child was “very relaxed and peaceful”. She added, “I hope he stays like this.”
It seems he remained that way at least for the duration of the service – the young prince was still snoozing when he exited the chapel, snuggled in Kate’s arms.