The youngest child, and first daughter, of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, will be baptised in the same church which welcomed her paternal grandmother, Princess Diana, over fifty years ago.
The newest addition to the House of Windsor, who was welcomed amid a flurry of global attention on May 2nd this year, is due to be baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, the same man who officiated her older brother George’s ceremony in October 2013.
The momentous occasion, which will see the princess formally given her full name - Charlotte Elizabeth Diana- will be captured on film by Peruvian-born photographer, Mario Testino, who photographed Princess Charlotte’s parents for their engagement announcement in 2010.
Members of the public have been given permission to gather outside the 16th century church for the special event this morning meaning this will be the second occasion in which they have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the newborn – a decision the royal couple are said to be ‘delighted’ about.
Guests, who will have made the journey to the church on foot, will include the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, Princess Charlotte’s paternal grandfather, Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla while also in attendance will be Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, Prince George and his nanny, Maria Borrallo.
Unfortunately, Prince William’s younger brother Harry, who was in New Zealand for the arrival of his niece, will be unable to attend the service as he is currently on a three-month trip to Africa where he is working on conservation projects.
In honour of the princess' special day, the Crown Jewels and the Lily Font have made the journey from London to Norfolk and will play an integral part in today's proceedings.
Commenting on the 175-year-old Lily Font, which is due to be filled with water from the River Jordan, Crown Jeweller, Martin Swift, said: "To my knowledge it will be the first time the Lily Font has left London and hopefully will come back in one piece!"
According to reports, the 45- minute ceremony, which will see Princess Charlotte dressed in a replica of the satin and lace garment made for Queen Victoria’s first child in 1841, is set to be a low-key family affair with guests returning to Sandringham House for tea with the Queen following the service.
Princess Charlotte’s guests will then assemble for the official christening portraits – photographs which the public are waiting with bated breath to see.
If these highly-anticipated photographs are even remotely as stunning as the princess’ first official snaps with big brother, George, we are in for a treat!
We'll keep you updated!
