The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Baby Prince Louis on best behaviour for his christenin­g ceremony

Family gathers for prince’s big day at Chapel Royal

- LAURA ELSTON

Prince Louis of Cambridge was on his best behaviour for his christenin­g – much to the relief of the Duchess of Cambridge.

The 11-week-old prince was sound asleep as he was carried into the Chapel Royal by his mother Kate.

As the duchess chatted to the Archbishop of Canterbury while holding Louis, she could be heard describing her sleeping son as “very relaxed and peaceful”. The duchess added, with a smile: “I hope he stays like this.”

Following the 40-minute ceremony, the baby prince looked content and wiggled his fingers as Kate gazed down and beamed at him as she held him in her arms.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined their parents for the event at the chapel at St James’s Palace in London.

It is the first time the Cambridges have been seen together as a family of five.

Charlotte and George politely shook the archbishop’s hand as they arrived, with the Duke of Cambridge encouragin­g them with a “well done”.

Three-year-old Charlotte, known for her confident nature, emerged from the ceremony with the large Order of Service tucked under her arm.

Baby Louis was dressed in the cream, frilly lace royal christenin­g gown – a replica of the intricate robe made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841.

Among the guests in the oak-panelled chapel were Louis’ aunt and uncle the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan looked stylish in an olivegreen Ralph Lauren outfit and Stephen Jones hat, and held hands with her husband of less than two months as they arrived.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were missing from the small family affair.

The decision is understood not to have been taken on health grounds, and to have been mutually agreed by the Queen and the Cambridges some time ago.

The Queen, 92, has a busy week ahead, with high-profile celebratio­ns in central London marking the centenary of the RAF today, and a visit by US President Donald Trump in Windsor on Friday. The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, has retired from public duties.

 ?? Picture: PA. ?? The Duchess of Cambridge chats with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, as she arrives carrying Prince Louis at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.
Picture: PA. The Duchess of Cambridge chats with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, as she arrives carrying Prince Louis at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom