Royal christening expected to be a private affair

ONE OF the first significant occasions in the new royal baby’s life will be his christening.

The religious ceremony will be an important moment for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first born who, as a future sovereign, will one day become the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Royal christenings are traditionally private affairs, held behind closed doors when the baby is just a few months old and attended only by family, godparents and close friends.

A family photograph of the baby in its robe is usually released to the media.

Royal children are mostly christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, often in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace where William’s ceremony was held.

Prince Harry was christened in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

William and Kate also have to decide who to choose as the baby’s godparents. Royal babies usually have five or six godparents.

Contenders are expected to include the baby’s uncles Prince Harry and James Middleton and aunt Pippa Middleton, as well as close friends of the couple such as William’s old school friend Thomas van Straubenzee or perhaps one of the van Cutsem brothers.

Royal babies are christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841.