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Prince George’s christening: what you need to know

This summer, the world celebrated as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced the arrival of their first child, Prince George.

Landmarks across the world including the London Eye and Niagara Falls lit up blue to honour the future King’s birth.

WKG

Excitement is building for the christening of Prince George. (Photo: Instagram/Clarence House)

Last month, Prince William and Kate confirmed plans for George’s christening which has been highly anticipated since his summer arrival.

Here Royal Central tells you everything you need to know:

When?

Prince George’s christening is due to take place on Wednesday, October 23 at 3pm and Kensington Palace have confirmed it will be a “45-minute service”. The ceremony will be performed by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who revealed he was “delighted” to be invited to conduct George’s baptism.

Where?

The first child of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be christened in The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. Many had predicted Buckingham Palace would be the choice of location for the service, however it is believe William and Kate chose the Chapel at St James’s Palace as they “simply preferred it”.

The Chapel Royal also holds significance for the Prince as it is where his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, laid in rest before her funeral in 1997.

Who is going?

The service is expected to be attended by The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

William and Kate will also be joined by her family, including Michael and Carole Middleton. The Duchess’ siblings Pippa and James Middleton are also expected to join the gathering.

There has also been speculation Prince Harry’s rumoured girlfriend Cressida Bonas has been invited by Prince William and Kate. If true, it will be the biggest indicator the two are dating.

A full guest list will be revealed prior to the service.

Who will be Prince George’s godparents?

George’s godparents are yet to be officially named, however it is expected the young Prince will have six godparents.

The Cambridge’s university friend Fergus Boyd and Kate’s childhood friend Emilia D’Erlanger are widely expected to be amongst the six.

What will George wear for the ceremony?

The Prince will be christened in a replica of the lace gown, which was originally made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, in 1841. The Honiton gown was retired after it became so fragile and The Queen asked dressmaker Angela Kelly to make a replica.

The original gown was worn by over 60 royal babies including Prince Charles and Prince William. Viscount Severn, the son of Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex was the first royal baby to wear the replica.

Is the event televised? 

The 45-minute service will be a private affair, although a day after the ceremony official pictures will be released to the world.

The official portraits are expected to include the highly anticipated historic photo of The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George.

Who will take the official photographs?

Prince William and Kate have asked Hollywood photographer Jason Bell to capture the official christening photographs.

Jason is a celebrated photographer and has snapped stars including Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman.

He will take the official images at Clarence House after the service at St James’s Palace.