Princess Charlotte Christening To Be Held July 5 In Same Church As Diana

Princess Charlotte will be only 2-months-old when her christening will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in the Norfolk town, the same church in which the late Princess Diana was baptized as a child. The private ceremony, organized by the Duke and Duchess of Canterbury, William and Kate, will be led by Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby on Sunday, July 5.

Guests attending the christening will be kept to a minimum with only members of the Royal family, as well as Charlotte’s yet unnamed godparents, present.

The news of the new Princess’ christening is heartwarming, as it cements both the new addition to the Royal family and her brother, Prince George, in a baptismal link with their grandmother, Diana. George had previously been christened in a similarly small ceremony, with only around 60 guests, at the Chapel Royal of St James’ Palace, the very same church in which Princess Diana’s body lay prior to her funeral in 1997.

A spokesperson of the Royal family added, “The choice was made because of the Royal family’s close connection to that church.”

“In addition, the family are staying in Norfolk at the moment and the Duke will be based in the region at that time because of his work flying as an air ambulance pilot.”

The plans also coincide with the Queen’s plans to visit Balmoral for the summer, offering a possible explanation for the early July date.

Despite this, the decision is controversial as it makes Princess Charlotte the first senior member of the Royal family to have a christening held beyond a royal residence in the last 120 years.

Archbishop Welby was forthcoming in his sincere joy for being a part of the historic ceremony, saying, “I am delighted to be invited to conduct the baptism of HRH Princess Charlotte.”

“It will be an extraordinary honour and privilege to help welcome the Princess into the family of the church. Along with her parents and all her family, I look forward to joining in this joyful day of celebration and thanksgiving.”

The announcement of Charlotte’s christening has spurred further speculation as to the identities of her elected godparents. Parents Prince William and the Duchess Kate Middleton have yet to name the pair, although favourites include William’s good friend Hugh van Cutsem, as well as relatives including Pippa Middleton, Princess Beatrice and the recently knighted Prince Harry.

[Image credit: Max Mumby via Getty Images]