Prince William and his wife, Kate, marked a milestone for their newborn baby Princess Charlotte on Sunday — a christening ceremony on Queen Elizabeth II's country estate that was steeped in royal tradition. Photo: AP- William and Kate left London and traveled north shortly after the birth to their mansion in Sandringham, where they are expected to be based for the next few years.
- Charlotte was born May 2 and is fourth in line to the throne.
- Britain's royals have been photographed by some of the world's leading photographers. But Prince William and Kate are continuing a more informal tradition begun two years ago with the first official portrait of Prince George, taken by his
- Celebrity photographer Mario Testino will take official photos of the royal family after the service.
- Sunday's event saw William, Kate, George and Charlotte appear in public for the first time as a family of four.
- "We just love the royal family. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make it to London to see Princess Charlotte when she was on the drive home from hospital. So we thought the next best thing, let's be here for the christening," resident Lindy Diaper
- Fans from as far afield as Australia and the U.S. patiently lined up outside the church, hoping to get a glimpse of the baby as the royals arrive and leave.
- Guests also included five godparents that William and Kate chose for Charlotte, including William's cousin Laura Fellowes, Kate's cousin Adam Middleton, and three of the couple's friends.
- The ceremony was private — the queen, her husband Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Kate's family were among a small group of guests allowed inside.
- It is also where Charlotte's late grandmother, Princess Diana, was christened in 1961.
- The 16th-century church, close to William and Kate's country house Anmer Hall, is where the royal family traditionally gathers for Christmas service.
- Following royal tradition, holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, was used for the baptism.
- Until 2008, that original gown had been worn by all royal babies — including the queen — at their christenings.
- Like her elder brother George, Charlotte was dressed for the occasion in a replica of the intricate lace-and-satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, also named Victoria, in 1841.
- It was only the second time Britain's newborn princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, has been seen in public since she was born on May 2.
- Hundreds of fans outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, a sprawling royal estate near England's eastern coast, cheered as William and Kate arrived with toddler Prince George and 9-week-old Charlotte, who was in a vintage pram.
Prince William and his wife, Kate, marked a milestone for their newborn baby Princess Charlotte on Sunday — a christening ceremony on Queen Elizabeth II's country estate that was steeped in royal tradition. Photo: AP
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