We may not have seen baby Charlotte since her official debut outside St Mary’s Hospital in London after her birth on May 2nd, but she does have one big event in her calendar – her christening!
Insiders close to the family have revealed to People that the ceremony is expected to take place before young Charlotte’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, goes on her annual summer break to Scotland around late July.
The royals don’t have a formal guide to christenings, but many families prefer to baptise their children within three months of the birth.
Insider believe the ceremony itself will take place in London at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace, which is where Prince George was christened back in October 2013 following his birth in July that same year.
Like her older brother, Charlotte will wear the same traditional christening robe, so no doubt the growing bub will need to be christened sooner rather than later.
The gown was hand-made in 2008 and was designed by the Queen’s assistant, Angela Kelly, and Buckingham Palace’s team of dressmakers. It was based on a gown commissioned by Queen Victoria in the 19th century with the original gown, which was put into storage in 2004, used by many royals including Princess Diana for both William and Harry.
The christening ceremony is expected to be led the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and will take place over the silver 17-inch high Lily Font made in 1841 for the christening of Princess Royal Victoria.
Prince William and Duchess Catherine would be expected to announce Princess Charlotte’s godparents at the ceremony.
Prior to the christening, we should see the family portrait with Charlotte, big brother George, William, Catherine and hopefully the family dog, Lupo. Last time after the birth of Prince George, the family portrait was taken by the proud granddad, Michael Middleton.
Like Charlotte, we haven’t seen Duchess Catherine since the birth of her baby girl. Her next appearance is expected to be on June 13th, where she is set to join William at Trooping the Colour, the annual parade on what is known as the Queen’s official birthday.