Relaxed And Smiling: Bonny Prince George's Christening - And His First Public Appearance In Three Months

Relaxed And Smiling: Bonny Prince George's Christening - And His First Public Appearance In Three Months

Baby Prince George has made his first public appearance since he was one day old – and what a big, bonny boy he is.

The little prince - born on July 22 - looked beautifully regal in a long, flowing replica christening gown as his dad Prince William carried him into the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace, London, for his baptism this afternoon.

But he had a look on his face that seemed to say: "Mater and Pater, what on EARTH have you dressed me in? I look like a little gel!"

The robe is a replica of one first used by Queen Victoria for her eldest daughter in 1841 and subsequent royal christenings. The original is now too fragile so in 2008 a new one was commissioned by the Queen and used for the christening of Prince Edward's son, James, Viscount Severn.

George's beaming parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at St. James's Palace just before 3pm and proudly showed off their gorgeous son before going inside for the ceremony, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Just over half an hour later, they emerged smiling and relaxed, as Kate held her son in her arms as he twiddled his fingers before they stepped into another room for official portraits by celebrity photographer Jason Bell.

He was expected to take a picture of the Queen and Princes Charles, William and George together - echoing a 1894 picture from the christening of the future Edward VIII, showing him with his father, grandfather and great-grandmother - George V, Edward VII and Queen Victoria.

The whole affair was very intimate, without any pomp or ceremony. Parents William and Kate had invited only 22 guests, including senior royals, four members of the Middleton family, the seven godparents and their spouses.

The godparents, announced earlier, are Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Tindall.

Later this afternoon, the Prince of Wales will host a tea at Clarence House.

Mrs Tindall, wife of former England rugby player Mike Tindall, is Prince William's cousin, while the other six godparents are all friends of the royal couple.

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