THE Little Prince LOUIS’ CHRISTENING ALBUM

The 11-week-old fifth in line to the throne arrived at his baptism fast asleep in his mother’s arms, Juliet Rieden reports.

In a quiet, elegant gathering of family and friends, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked incredibly proud to be baptising their 11-week-old son Prince Louis at The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. The historic chapel, built in the 1530s, is where Prince George was christened and also where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were married, so is packed with royal significance. As she carried her second son into the chapel, The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, described Louis as “very relaxed and peaceful”, joking with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, “I hope he stays like this.”

Louis was surrounded by those he is likely to know very well throughout his life – his grandparents The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Michael and Carole Middleton, his uncles and aunts the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, James and Pippa Middleton, and of course his brother and sister Prince George and

Princess Charlotte, both holding on to their father’s hands tightly. It was the first time we have seen the Cambridge five in public.

Prince Harry’s new wife, the Duchess of Sussex, looked delighted to be attending her first royal christening. Meghan wore her hair back in a long ponytail and a chic olive Ralph Lauren dress with matching hat by Stephen Jones. Kate was in white, a dress by her favourite design house Alexander McQueen with a headdress by Jane Taylor.

A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace said the decision for The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh not to attend was made some time ago; Her Majesty, 92, no doubt saving her strength for an incredibly busy week ahead including the centenary of the Royal Air Force and a much heralded visit from US President Donald Trump.

In keeping with tradition, Louis wore the same lace and satin christening robe that Princess Charlotte and Prince George had donned on their special day – a replica of the royal christening robe originally worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria. The original was worn by Queen Elizabeth II, her children and grandchildren but is now too delicate to use, so this one was created by the Queen’s dressmaker Angela Kelly. Also following tradition, Prince Louis was anointed from the Lily Font with water from the River Jordan.

Following the service, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led their guests back to a private tea at Clarence House, home of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. Princess Charlotte looked especially pleased holding her order of service as she emerged from the chapel. Guests were served slices of christening cake – a tier from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2011 wedding cake.

Prince Louis was anointed from the Lily Font with water from the River Jordan.