We’ve got royal fever today! Get the news from Prince George christening, find out who the little Prince’s godparents are, and Princess Mary’s visit to Australia.
By Chloe Schneider
Prince George Christening
Usually when we’re speculating about royal’s outfits, guest lists, and whether or not traditions will be thwarted we’re in the midst of a royal wedding. Not this time! Our royal watchings of late have been predominately focused on the Christening of our little Prince George and with the big event said and done, we now have all the answers we were seeking.
The future heir to the throne was surrounded by family for the private ceremony that took place at the Chapel Royal at St James Palace. The prince wore an intricate lace and satin gown that was a replica of that which was worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter and was first used in 1841 and has been worn by the majority of the British Royals (including dad Prince William) since.
Kate Middleton looked relaxed happy, and completely stunning in a cream Alexander McQueen outfit with a matching hat by milliner Jane Taylor.
The guest list, which the Queen had personally sanctioned a request from William and Kate be a culled for an intimate event, comprised of just 22 people including grandparents Charles and Camilla and Michael and Carole Middleton, James and Pippa Middleton, Prince Harry, and the Queen and Prince Philip, along with an assortment of close friends of William and Kate. Notably absent was Harry’s latest squeeze Cressida Bonas.
In sticking with tradition; three-month old George was christened with water from the River Jordan, the river where Jesus Christ was baptised.
Despite the palace insisting there would be no public appearances, fans had gathered near the roadway gates of St James Palace for up to 24 hours before the event, even braving overnight rain in hopes of spotting one of the royals.
Prince George’s Godparents
Just hours before the 30-minute ceremony, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge revealed which of their friends and family would be godparents to their son. And with seven names, there’s a lot to cover!
Oliver Baker – A friend of William and Kate’s from their college dates, and one of the two friends they shared a home with during their last two years at St Andrews University.
Earl Grosvenor – At just 22, Earl (known as Hugh to friends) is the youngest of the godparents. He is son and heir of the Duke of Westminster and his mother is Prince William’s godmother.
Emilia Jardine-Paterson – A close friend of Kate’s, Emilia went to Marlborough College with Duchess. She runs her own design business called d’Erlanger and Sloan.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton – Jamie has served as the private secretary to both Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry from 2005 to 2012.
Julia Samuel – Julia was a close friend of the late Princess Diana and works as a maternity and pediatric counselor at Prince George’s place of birth, St Mary’s Hospital.
Zara Tindall – Zara is cousin to Prince William, the daughter of Anne, Princess Royal (Prince Charles’ sister) and Prince George’s only royal godparent. She’s an Olympic equestrian, and is currently expecting a baby herself!
William van Cutsem – the van Cutsem family has been close to the British royals for many years. William and Prince William spent much time together at the residency the Duke and Duchess now call their country home — Anmer Hall on the Queen’s Sandringham estate near Norfolk.
Princess Mary in Australia
Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark have arrived on Australian soil for a five-day tour as part of their duties as the official patrons for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Sydney Opera House.
This morning the couple were welcomed at the Danish-designed landmark, where they greeted schoolchildren and media who had gathered to meet the pair. They spoke of the grief of the recent NSW fires, with Australian-born Mary telling reporters, “It’s heartbreaking.” After the public meeting, Mary, who was dressed in a blue floral dress and nude pumps, and her Prince had a private tour of the Opera House.
This was just the first in a series of public appearances for the royals. Tomorrow the couple will head to Five Dock school to present the Premier’s Reading Challenge medals, after attending the launch of the architecture and design symposium. They are also set to visit the Sydney Children’s Hospital, and the Opera House 40th anniversary gala concert just to name a couple!
Sydney siders keep your eyes peeled for this cute couple and tweet at us if you spot them!
