Prince George christening: In pictures

Prince George held by his mother

Prince George, the third in line to the throne, has been christened at a private ceremony in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince gathered outside the palace in central London on Tuesday evening, 24 hours before the big event.

The christening was a private family service, with only senior royals, four members of the Middleton family, the seven godparents and their spouses in attendance.

The Middleton family, including Catherine's brother James and sister Pippa, were among the 22 guests at the chapel.

Zara Tindall, Prince William's cousin and one of Prince George's seven godparents, attended the service with her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall.

Emilia Jardine-Paterson, a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and another godparent, also attended with her husband David.

Other godparents at the service included Oliver Baker, who went to St Andrews University with the duke and duchess.

William van Cutsem, a childhood friend of Prince William, also made the cut. He attended with wife Rose.

Julia Samuel, who was a close friend of the duke's mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and Earl Grosvenor, the son of the Duke of Westminster, have also been made godparents.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby conducted the ceremony which lasted 45 minutes. The duke and duchess chose two hymns, two lessons and two anthems for the christening.

During the service, lessons from St Luke and St John were read by Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry. The anthems were Blessed Jesu! Here we Stand and the Lord Bless You and Keep You.

Guests left for tea hosted by the Prince of Wales at Clarence House after the service.

Prince George was dressed in a handmade christening gown identical to that worn by his father when he was baptised in 1982.

Prince William was christened at Buckingham Palace in August 1982 by Dr Robert Runcie, then the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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