Princess Charlotte has been christened at a church in Sandringham after the Cambridges made their first public outing as a family of four. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pushed the princess in a pram Queen Elizabeth II used for two of her own children.
Several thousand well-wishers greeted the royals, while Prince George, the couple’s son, delighted the crowds on foot. The royal couple announced ahead of the christening that they had chosen five godparents for the princess.
The christening was held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, and attended by guests including the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.
Other attendees included Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton and her two siblings, Pippa and James.
The baptism, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, was held in private. Princess Charlotte has two fewer godparents than her brother George, and none from within royal circles.
The five include Catherine’s cousin Adam Middleton, William’s Cousin Lady Laura Fellowes and Thomas van Straubenzee, a friend of the duke’s. The final two are the duke’s friend James Meade – who read the lesson during the service – and the duchess’s friend Sophie Carter.
Mr van Straubenzee, whom William met at Ludgrove Prep School, and Mr Meade, a friend from Eton, were both ushers at the duke and duchess’s wedding and gave speeches at the reception.
