Three-month-old Prince George, heir to the British throne, will be christened Wednesday with water from the River Jordan. Buckingham palace officials say his parents, Prince William and his wife Kate have asked seven people to be their son's godparents, during a private ceremony to be held at the Chapel Royal at St. James Palace in London.
The palace published a list of 22 invitees that includes Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Prince Harry and other royals.
Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton are also on the guest list, as well as her sister Pippa and brother James.
In accordance with tradition, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will christen the royal baby.
Prince George will wear a white satin and lace robe that is a replica of the garment worn by the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria in 1941.
The prince's godparents are: Oliver Baker, a friend of William and Kate's from St. Andrews Univiersity; Emilia Jardine-Paterson a friend of Kate's who attended Malborough College with her; Earl Grosvenoor, son of the Duke of Westminster; Jamie Lowther-Pinkerson, the couple's former private secretary; Julia Samuel, a close friend of the late Princess Diana; Zara Philips, William's cousin; and William van Cusem, William's childhood friend.
William and Kate's decision is a break with the tradition of choosing royal dignitaries to take on the ceremonial role, and a continuation of their effort to portray a more informal, modern image to austerity-hit Britons.
After the christening, guests will attend a private tea at Clarence House, hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla.
Hollywood photographer Jason Bell has been tapped to take official photos of the event, that will include a "historic multi-generational photograph" of the queen and three future British monarchs.
Official photos will be released to the public on Thursday.
Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.
The palace published a list of 22 invitees that includes Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Prince Harry and other royals.
Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton are also on the guest list, as well as her sister Pippa and brother James.
In accordance with tradition, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will christen the royal baby.
Prince George will wear a white satin and lace robe that is a replica of the garment worn by the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria in 1941.
The prince's godparents are: Oliver Baker, a friend of William and Kate's from St. Andrews Univiersity; Emilia Jardine-Paterson a friend of Kate's who attended Malborough College with her; Earl Grosvenoor, son of the Duke of Westminster; Jamie Lowther-Pinkerson, the couple's former private secretary; Julia Samuel, a close friend of the late Princess Diana; Zara Philips, William's cousin; and William van Cusem, William's childhood friend.
William and Kate's decision is a break with the tradition of choosing royal dignitaries to take on the ceremonial role, and a continuation of their effort to portray a more informal, modern image to austerity-hit Britons.
After the christening, guests will attend a private tea at Clarence House, hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla.
Hollywood photographer Jason Bell has been tapped to take official photos of the event, that will include a "historic multi-generational photograph" of the queen and three future British monarchs.
Official photos will be released to the public on Thursday.
Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.
