Curious, George? Prince keeps a brotherly eye on his sister in her pram... until it all gets a bit much after the service
- Prince George was on hand to keep an eye on his sister on her big day
- He stood on his tip-toes to check on Princess Charlotte in her pram
- But shortly after he became overwhelmed and was spotted getting teary
It was a big day for Princess Charlotte yesterday. And luckily there was a little chap on hand to look after her at her christening.
After the royals emerged from the brief service to a 3,500-strong crowd of well-wishers, Prince George stood on his tip-toes to check on his baby sister in her pram.
The big-brotherly act elicited a chorus of ‘ahhhs’ from onlookers who had come to see the Cambridges’ first public appearance as a family of four.
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Prince George teetered on his tip toes to check on Princess Charlotte in her pram after her christening at Sandringham
For the two-month-old princess the occasion was at times a bit too much. As the Duchess lifted her from the pram, she screwed up her face in indignation and kicked her legs furiously.
George, who turns two in a couple of weeks’ time, became a little overwhelmed too.
At one point he made a bid for freedom and went haring off down the gravel path outside St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham, before Prince William managed to scoop him up.
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And later there were a few tears. But with the promise of christening cake at great-grandma’s house, all seemed to be well again.
As royal christenings go, yesterday’s event had a casual air. The scene was set as Charlotte’s five godparents – all non-royals – arrived in two Range Rovers 25 minutes before the 4.30pm ceremony.
On the way to St Mary Magdalene Church, young George waved as he walked alongside his father the Duke of Cambridge and his mother the Duchess, who pushed Charlotte in a vintage pram
Many well-wishers turned out to see the Cambridges, who were making the first appearance as a family of four
Princess Charlotte appeared to be crying as she was carried into the church for her baptism by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge
Two are cousins from both sides of the family – Michael Middleton’s nephew Adam and Diana’s niece Laura Fellowes – and the remaining three are close friends James Meade, Thomas van Straubenzee and Sophie Carter.
They were quickly followed by the Middletons and, a few minutes later, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen then pulled up in a car with Prince Philip – a break with precedence because she normally arrives last.
After the ceremony it all became a bit too much for Prince George who became teary and needed a cuddle from his father Prince William
In the end the young prince was scooped up into the arms of the Duke of Cambridge after his tears
Kate looks relieved as George calms down safe in the arms of his father after Princess Charlotte's christening
Finally the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived on foot with their brood. Kate, wearing an ivory Alexander McQueen coat-dress and Jane Taylor hat, pushed her daughter in a 1950s Millson pram once used by the Queen for Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
It was a nice touch but one that was also practical because royal aides thought it would offer the public the best opportunity to grab a glimpse of Charlotte.
Kate took the challenge of manoeuvring the hulking stroller in high-heels in her stride, before picking up her bawling daughter dressed in a beautiful Honiton lace gown, a replica of the one first used for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, which George also wore for his christening.
Prince George pulls a face at the waiting photographers outside the church following Princess Charlotte's christening
The young prince even shared a tender moment with his great-grandmother the Queen, dressed in rose for the occasion
As they walked in, Vaughan Williams’s Prelude on Rhosymedre could be heard floating out of the church, a piece of music that was played at both Charles and Diana’s and William and Kate’s weddings, as well as Diana’s funeral.
It was another touching reference to the late princess whose name Charlotte Elizabeth Diana bears, as was the venue, where Diana was baptised in August 1961.
The private service, officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, with the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the local rector, lasted just half an hour.
Back at Sandringham House, Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino, a particular favourite of William’s late mother, took the official photographs, which are due to be released later this week.
Jetsetter Testino had flown into Sandringham by helicopter – a rather jarring extravagance given the low-key nature of the occasion, at least by royal standards.
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