Just when we thought royal baby mania was cooling down, another event filled royal fans with glee this weekend.
Due to COVID restrictions, royal christenings were off the cards but now two of the Queen’s youngest great-grandchildren, Zara Tindall’s son, Lucas Philip Tindall and Princess Eugenie’s son, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, have had a joint ceremony.
The last royal christening we saw was Harry and Meghan’s son Archie’s so we have a strong idea of the traditions that were honoured.
Royal babies being christened traditionally wear the same christening gown worn by a number of royals before them. The child’s godparents are usually announced as well – Harry and Meghan famously broke with tradition at Archie’s when they kept the names private.
The last royal christening we saw was Archie’s back in July 2019.
(Image: Chris Allerton / SussexRoyal)
There is also a Lily Font, which has been commonly used in royal baptisms dating as far back as the 1800s.
Tradition dictates that water from the River Jordan be used for the occasion, as this is where Jesus was baptised in the Bible.
We decided to open the history books and reflect on royal christenings from years gone by. Keep scrolling for the ultimate royal throwbacks.
WATCH: 7 royal christening traditions. Gallery begins after video…
Queen christening
Queen Elizabeth
The future Queen of England, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, is held by her mother Elizabeth, Duchess of York, later The Queen Mother, as father the Duke of York, later King George VI looks on fondly. This precious moment was captured at the Queen’s christening in one of the private chapels of Buckingham Palace in 1926.
charles gown
Prince Charles
The Queen’s first-born child, Prince Charles, was baptised in the same location as younger sister Anne on the 15th of December 1948. To mark the momentous occasion, the future King of England was christened with water from the River Jordan. All of Charles’ godparents held regal titles and included King George VI and the King of Norway.
Anne christening
Princess Anne
The Queen and Prince Philip beam following daughter Princess Anne’s big day, which was held in the White and Gold Music Room in Buckingham Palace, London in 1950.
Anne charles christening
Just like his son William, a young Prince Charles tried to command some attention during his younger sibling’s baptism.
Prince William Diana pink
Prince William
Diana soothes a newborn William following his christening ceremony, which took place in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace in August, 1982.
Prince william family
The Queen, Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother pose for an official family portrait with their new grandson, Prince William.
Prince William queen mother
The Queen Mother is delighted to have a cuddle with her great-grandson, William.
Prince harry family
Prince Harry
Cheeky Prince William steals the spotlight at little brother Prince Harry’s christening in 1984. The ceremony was conducted at the St. George Chapel in Windsor Castle by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Beatrice fergie christening
Princess Beatrice
Prince Andrew and Sarah the Duchess of York’s oldest child, Princess Beatrice of York, celebrated her christening at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace on December 20, 1988.
Eugenie christening
Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie of York was the first royal bub to have a public baptism back in December, 1990. The event was held at the iconic St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham – the same location as Princess Charlotte’s.
William godfather
Konstantine Alexios
Prince William holds godson Konstantine Alexios in London’s Greek Cathedral Of Sophia in 1999.
george christening
Prince George
George’s seven godparents were revealed to be Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Phillips.
george christening gown
The three-month-old Prince wore a replica of the lace gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria in 1841, which was worn at royal christenings until 2008.
George Kate christening
Proud mum Catherine opted for a classic cream Alexander McQueen dress and a matching fascinator.
Kate charlotte
Princess Charlotte
Charlotte’s christening in 2015 was yet another sight to behold as Kate and William celebrated with members of the royal family at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.
Charlotte george Christening
Young Prince George takes a quick peek at his new baby sister!
Louis
Prince Louis
In July 2018, Prince Louis was christened at The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. The stunning day involved some special moments, including the comic quip sister Charlotte made to photographers at the event!
Princess Charlotte speaks to photographers at Prince Louis’ Christening
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
Almost one year later, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s son was christened at
a private ceremony in Windsor. Amongst the family members who attended were Princess Diana’s sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes but in a rare move, a statement revealed: “The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”
