Prince William and Kate Middleton on Wednesday chose seven of their friends and relatives as their son George’s godparents ahead of his low-key christening ceremony.
They include Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Phillips.
Zara Phillips is William’s cousin and the wife of former England rugby player Mike Tindall, while Van Cutsem is his childhood friend.
Jardine-Paterson attended Marlborough College with Kate, Baker went to St.Andrews University with both parents, Lowther—Pinkerton served as their private secretary from 2005-2012 and is still principal private secretary on a part—time basis.
Samuel was a close friend of William’s mother Diana, the Princess of Wales, and Earl Grosvenor is the son of the Duke of Westminster.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will christen three-month—old prince at St. James’ Palace in London today afternoon at a low key ceremony.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be joined by George’s great-grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh at the palace’s Chapel Royal.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have broken with recent tradition by choosing the Chapel Royal, as both William and his father, Prince Charles, were christened at Buckingham Palace.
The chapel has a personal connection for both parents, as William’s mother, Princess Diana, lay at rest there before her funeral in 1997 and the chapel was where the Duchess of Cambridge was confirmed into the Anglican church before the royal wedding two years ago.
Other guests expected to attend include grandfather Prince Charles and wife Camilla, uncle Prince Harry, Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa and James.
The baby prince will be christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841. Prince George will be baptised over a font that was made for Queen Victoria’s first child with water from the River Jordan.
After the service a historic photo will be taken showing the Queen with three future monarchs — her son Charles, her grandson William and her great-grandson George.
