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The portraits were taken at Clarence House's Morning Room following the christening at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, by renowned photographer Matt Holyoak. The photographer said "I was truly honoured at being asked to take the official photographs at the christening of Prince Louis, and to witness at first hand such a happy event. Everyone was so relaxed and in such good spirits, it was an absolute pleasure. I only hope I have captured some of that joy in my photographs."
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The photo of Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Cambridges and the Sussexes offers a very powerful visual image - the future of the British Royal family. Note, very adorably Charlotte is holding Louis' hand, and look at George's smile :)
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| Kensington Palace Twitter Feed |
The family of five.
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| Kensington Palace Twitter Feed |
The Palace released an additional photograph of Kate and Louis with the message "Their Royal Highnesses hope that everyone enjoys this lovely photograph of Prince Louis as much as they do." The photo was taken by Matt Porteous, the photographer took George's third birthday portraits. I imagine this is one from their personal album from the day. It offers by far the best look at the adorable prince. He really does look like his mother.
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| Kensington Palace |
Matt Holyoak is one of the world's leading celebrity portrait photographers. His love of portraiture started at Art College, where he studied to be a fine artist, specialising in contemporary portrait painting and drawing. He then discovered his passion for photography and perfected his craft working in still life, fashion and portraiture - assisting some of the most revered photographers of our times.
His photographs have been published internationally in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Another, Vogue, Dazed and Confused, Elle, Empire, Rolling Stone, Interview, L’Uomo Vogue and Vanity Fair. He has shot campaigns for Adidas, Gilette and Qatar Airways. A number of his pieces have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery for their permanent collection.
Holyoak took the hugely popular 70th wedding anniversary images of the Queen and Prince Philip.
Prince Louis was baptised by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The Lily Font and water from the River Jordan were used during the baptism. Louis wore a hand-made replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to the Queen. William and Kate chose six godparents for their eleven-week-old son. Kate's cousin Lucy Middleton and close friends Nicholas van Cutsem, Guy Pelly, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, Laura Meade and Hannah Gillingham Carter.
The christening provided the first official photos of the Cambridges as a family of five.
The Duchess chose a bespoke cream Alexander McQueen dress with a neck and puff sleeves for the christening. Kate teamed it with a headband-style Jane Taylor hat, Jimmy Choo Romy Pumps and Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs.
Prince George's christening portraits were taken by Jason Bell at Clarence House following his christening at the Chapel Royal. They included a portrait of the Queen with three heirs to the throne.
Princess Charlotte's portraits were taken at Sandringham House after the christening at St Mary Magdalene Church by royal favourite Mario Testino. They had a more relaxed, informal feel than George's.
If you're just joining us, William and Kate were in the Royal Box for the Wimbledon Men's Final this afternoon. Click here to view the post.
With George and Charlotte on summer holidays from Thomas's Battersea and Willcocks Nursery School, I expect the Cambridges will divide their time over the next couple of months between London and Anmer Hall. The Duchess isn't expected to resume official duties until the autumn, although it's possible she'll make an appearance or two before then. The release of the portraits seems the perfect way to close a very interesting week which included the christening, the RAF centenary and Wimbledon. Matt Holyoak did a splendid job with the photos, which one is your favourite?
