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Prince William and Kate Middleton announce date for Prince George's christening


September 27, 2013
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced the date for Prince George's christening.

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce the christening of Prince George will take place on Wednesday, 23rd October at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace," the statement from Kensington Palace read.

"Prince George will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby."

Kate Middleton© Photo: Rex

For his big day, the new heir, who was born on 22 July, will wear a replica of the Honiton lace gown which was made in 1841 for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal.

It was created by royal dresser Angela Kelly in 2008 for the baptism of James, Viscount Severn, the son of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, because the original gown had become fragile after 30 royal christenings.

Shortly after George's grand entrance into the world, aides said there was no royal protocol that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had to follow for the occasion.

In the past, royal babies including Prince William have been christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace, with only close family, godparents and friends in attendance.

A few official photos are usually made available to the press after the ceremony.

The last member of the family to be christened in St James's Palace was William's cousin Princess Beatrice in December 1988.

No details have yet been announced of George's godparents, but it's thought he will have six. These are certain to include Kate's sister Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry.

Other names in the running are Alicia Fox-Pitt, who was at Marlborough College with the new mum, Hugh van Cutsem, the son of Prince Charles' late friend, also named Hugh and James Meade, son of former Olympic equestrian Richard Meade.

The finer details for October's celebration will probably have been decided during the royals' annual holiday in Balmoral.

For the last few weeks, William and Kate have been guests of the Queen and they used the occasion to present the little one to his great-grandfather Prince Philip, who was the last senior royal to meet him.

At the weekend the couple were seen heading to the local church near Balmoral while George stayed behind with his new nanny Jessie Webb.

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