His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge is to be christened in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace on 23rd October, Kensington Palace have just announced.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George pictured in the Middletons’ Bucklebury home’s garden.
In the short press release, Kensington Palace said, “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce the christening of Prince George will take place on Wednesday, 23rd October at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.”
Many expected the christening to take place in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. However, the christening taking place at St James’s Palace is not entirely without precedent. The last member of the Royal Family to be christened there was Princess Beatrice in 1988.
A panorama of St James’s Palace, with the chapel royal ‘s window visible just right, off centre.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will christen the future Monarch.
The christening itself will be an entirely private family affair though photographs will be released afterwards. Most royal christenings with the exception of Princess Eugenie’s have been private family affairs.
Kensington Palace say further details will be provided closer to the date.
St James’s Palace is just a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace. Joined to the Prince of Wales’s residence (and former residence of Prince William) Clarence House, it is regarded as the home of the British Monarchy, though these days is used less and less. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have a flat there, though other members of the Royal Family have offices at Buckingham Palace.
Some reports say the Chapel Royal was chosen because it is more intimate and personal than the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. It also happens to be where Diana, Princess of Wales’s body rested prior to her funeral in 1997.
During the christening, Prince George will wear an exact replica of Queen Victoria’s 1841 Honiton lace and white satin christening gown. The original being put out of service many years ago, though a replica being produced to continue the tradition.
We are also told that we could see the photo of the ‘Monarch and her heirs’ that many royalists have been looking forward to. The Queen, the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince George.
Photo credits: Michael Middleton/PA Wire and Royal Central
