Prince Louis, fifth in line to the throne, has been christened at a private ceremony at St James’s Palace in London on Monday July 9.
Notably absent from the small family event was the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, with the Royal family saying it was due to the monarch’s busy schedule.
Kensington Palace said the Queen’s no-show was not due to illness and had been mutually agreed with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge some time ago.
The Queen and Prince Philip returned from the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on the same day as the christening, and 92-year-old is set to host US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Video released by Kensington Palace showed eleven-week old Prince Louis being carried into The Chapel Royal by his mother, wearing a hand-made replica of the Royal Christening Robe first made in 1841 for Queen Victoria’s oldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal.
Immediately in front of them was the Duke of Cambridge holding hands with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, marking the first time the family of five had been pictured together.
Also in attendance were Prince Louis’ grandparents Prince Charles and wife Camilla, as well as newlyweds Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The video showed Kate being greeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, describing the sleeping prince as “very relaxed and peaceful”.
“I hope he stays like this,” she added.
After the 40-minute ceremony a private tea was held at Clarence House where guests were served slices of Prince Louis’ christening cake — made up of a tier of Prince William and Kate’s fruit cake from their 2011 wedding.
At his christening, Prince Louis wore a handmade replica of the Royal Christening Robe, made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen – the original Royal Christening Robe, of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal
