Prince Louis’ royal nap
The Queen, 92, and the Duke of Edinburgh, 97, did not attend the 40-minute christening, but plenty of other royals were seen at the 11-week-old’s small event
It was the biggest day of his short life so far, surrounded by his loving family and doting godparents for the historic moment of his christening.
Prince Louis, who snoozed peacefully through proceedings, appeared to know he was in safe hands. The Prince, just 11 weeks old, was “very relaxed and peaceful”, his mother said, as she told the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby: “I hope he stays like this.” The Duchess of Cambridge, who cradled her younger son in his lace and satin dress, was joined by the Duke for the 40-minute ceremony, with siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte holding their father’s hands tightly.
Six godparents included the Duchess’s cousin, solicitor Lucy Middleton, a handful of the Duke’s school friends and reformed “court jester” Guy Pelly. Pelly, who attended the christening with his wife Lizzy, is perhaps best known for accompanying Princes William and Harry in livelier days on the London nightclub scene, and has previously said he is now “leaving it to the next generation”.
The Queen, 92, and the Duke of Edinburgh, 97, did not attend, in what was described as a “mutual decision” made some time ago. It was not due to ill health on the part of the Queen, a source said, with Her Majesty having a busy schedule in Scotland last week and London in the coming days, including the RAF centenary today and a visit from Donald Trump.
Proud grandfather the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall did attend, along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who walked hand-in-hand.
The small party saw George and Charlotte shake hands with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Dean of Windsor, praised by their father who told them “well done”.
They were joined by grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton, uncle James Middleton and pregnant aunt Pippa, who attended with her husband James Matthews.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a dress by McQueen and hat by Jane Taylor, in a cream shade similar to those she chose for the christening of her older children, while the Duchess of Sussex wore olive green Ralph Lauren.