Video: Prince William’s godfather offers advice to Prince George’s godparents
TORONTO – Britain’s newest royal family member will be christened Wednesday in London.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will baptize their first child, George Alexander Louis, three months after his birth.
Third in line to the throne, the young prince was born on July 22.
Here’s a look at five things to know before Prince George’s royal christening on October 23:
Who are the godparents?
Prince George will have seven godparents.
READ MORE: Prince George godparents named
Unlike with previous customs, Prince George’s godparents will all mostly be commoners—a first ever for the British Royal family who traditionally pick European royalty.
The godparents include close friends from their university days, a friend of William’s late mother, Princess Diana, a childhood chum of William, and a school friend of Kate’s.
They are: Oliver Baker, a friend from St. Andrews University; Emilia Jardine-Paterson, who went to the exclusive Marlborough College with Kate; Earl Grosvenor, who is the son of the Duke of Westminster; Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former private secretary to the couple; Julia Samuel, described as a close friend of the late Princess Diana; Zara Phillips, who is William’s cousin, and William van Cutsem, a childhood friend of William.
Who will attend?
The “small intimate affair” will last approximately 45 minutes and will remain relatively informal and private. Only Will’s close family and friends will be in attendance.
Charles and Camilla plan to host a private tea afterward at their Clarence House residence.
When and where will the christening take place?
The baptism will take place at 3 pm in the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London.
What is the significance of Chapel Royal?
Traditionally, royal christenings take place in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.
Kate and Prince William, however, have chosen to hold the ceremony at the Chapel Royal, the same place where the body of Princess Diana, William’s mother, laid for a week before her burial in 1997.
Who will conduct the ceremony?
The ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
What will Prince George wear?
The baby will be baptized in a replica Honiton lace white gown since the original robe—first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa during her christening in 1841—was deemed too delicate to be worn again.
The original gown was used at many royal christenings, including William’s. The last royal baby to wear the ensemble was Prince Edward’s daughter, Lady Louise, in 2004.
– with files from The Canadian Press
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