Prince Louis will be eleven weeks old when he's christened. We last saw photos of Louis in early May, the little prince will have changed quite a bit when we see him on the day.
As with George and Charlotte's christenings, it will be a small, intimate affair attended by godparents and their spouses and close family. Hello! reports:
'Members of the royal family are expected to attend including the Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Meghan. Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton, her younger brother James and her younger sister Pippa, who is pregnant with her first child, are also expected to make an appearance.'
Louis' big brother George was also baptised at the Chapel Royal. At the time aides said William and Kate selected it because they felt it was the perfect choice for an intimate christening.
The Chapel Royal at St James's Palace was used for the lying in state of Diana Princess of Wales after her death in 1997. The chapel was also the venue for Kate's confirmation into the Church of England in 2011, in a private ceremony before the royal wedding. Built in 1531, the heart of Mary Tudor was laid beneath its chancel step in 1558. Princess Beatrice's christening took place there in 1988, William attended the service with his mother. Below, the Sistine Chapel Choir performing in the Chapel Royal last month.
Charlotte's christening was a much more public affair because it was held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. Thousands of well-wishers from the nearby Norfolk area and much further afield travelled to St Mary's to catch a glimpse of the Cambridges on the day.
The Palace confirmed the service is "private" although one photographer will be present, so we can expect a nice selection photos similar to George's christening. It's unlikely we'll see the same variety of shots as Charlotte's christening, due to the fact there isn't an arrival/departure walk.
Louis is expected to wear the same gown as his siblings. It is a hand-made replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to the Queen. The original Honiton lace and satin robe, which is now 172 years old, was last used in 2004 with Lady Louise Windsor being the last royal baby to wear the piece. After years of wear it had become too fragile to use, so in 2008 the Queen commissioned a replica. It features the same length skirt, elaborate collars and bow as its predecessor. The first baby to wear it was was James, Viscount Severn, son of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
William and Kate's choice of godparents will be revealed closer to the day. Will we see the Duchess in cream McQueen again?
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Next we have several fashion updates regarding pieces the Duchess has worn. The GOAT Eloise Tunic Kate wore for the Place2Be School Leaders Forum last November has been restocked in all sizes. The 100% wool, plum dress is described as "Simple, chic and timeless the Eloise dress in a deep purple hue is a wardrobe must-have. A line shaped with a high neckline decorated with shine pewter buttons the Eloise is perfect for teaming with flats for a more casual look or heels to dress up."
The Office Nina Block Heel Sandals Kate wore to Wimbledon are reduced from £62 to £39.
And Kate's Michael Kors Carnation Georgette Shirtdress is reduced from £215 to £150.
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Finally, congratulations to Mike, Zara and Mia Tindall on the new addition to their family. Zara gave birth to a baby girl on Monday.
The Duchess greeting Zara at Royal Ascot last year.
You can view the full announcement here.
