The following is a guest post.
After 94 days, the world got a chance to see the newest heir to the throne of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, dressed in heirloom finery and held by his beaming father, waved his arms at his ‘Great-Gran’ the Queen.
His beaming parents were all smiles as they welcomed just twenty-two guests, including seven godparents to the intimate ceremony held at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace, a break from the typically lavish ceremonies held at Buckingham Palace.
Proving that they are a couple who will make new traditions, the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry were the only senior Royals in attendance.
Of the seven godparents, only one, Zara Phillips Tindall, is from the family. The Duchess’ family and new grandparents, Carol and Michael Middleton, were all smiles after the service. Her brother James, and sister, Pippa were in attendance with Pippa offering a reading.
The brief ceremony was presided over by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Two hymns were chosen by the Duke and Duchess, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and “Be Thou My Vision.” Readings were given by Pippa Middleton -Luke 18:15-1 and Prince Harry-John 15:1-5.
Prince George was baptized with water from the Jordan River and was poured into the Lily Baptismal Font which has been in use since Queen Victoria commissioned it in 1840.
The seven godparents, William van Cutsem Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, Hugh Grosvenor and Zara Tindall were reminded by the archbishop that they and the parents have a “simple task,” to “make sure he knows who Jesus is.” The Archbishop then continued, “Speak of him, read stories about him. Introduce him in prayer. Help him to grow and flourish into the person God has created and has called him to be.”
By all accounts, Prince George was a perfect baby during the service and did not cry or fuss even as the water was poured on his head. After the ceremony, the smiling group retired to St. James Palace for tea that included the serving of the top tier of the Duke and Duchess’ wedding cake that had been preserved for this day.
Christy Clark is a mom, teacher, knitter and freelance writer who has been “Smitten by Britain” ever since her mother got her up in the wee hours of 29 July 1981 to watch Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. In 2011 she got her own daughter up to watch Prince William marry Catherine Middleton. Christy lives in Florida and can be found on Twitter @christybelle
