Cute baby alert! Prince Louis is christened at St James’s Palace surrounded by his family

Today, the youngest member of the Cambridge family was christened today at St James’s Palace; Prince Louis, who appeared to be sleeping soundly as the family entered the chapel, was surrounded by his family and godparents on his big day.

Members of the Royal Family arrive at St James’s Palace for the christening of Prince Louis. pic.twitter.com/3pDk4D898C

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 9 July 2018

Prince Louis was wearing a replica of the Royal Christening Robe which was first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal, back in 1841. The replica was created by Angela Kelly, The Queen’s senior dresser; the imitation gown was brought into use to preserve the original and was first worn by James, Viscount Severn, son of The Earl and Countess of Wessex, ten years ago.

The young Prince’s godparents had been announced several hours prior to the ceremony; the six godparents are all friends or family of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Louis’s godparents are: Nicholas van Cutsem; Guy Pelly; Harry Aubrey-Fletcher; The Lady Laura Meade; Mrs. Robert Carter and Miss Lucy Middleton.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George hold the hands of their father, the Duke of Cambridge, as they arrive at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London for the christening of their brother, Prince Louis, who is in the arms of The Duchess of Cambridge. Picture by i-Images / Pool

This is the first time we have seen the Cambridges as a family of five, and only the second time we have seen Catherine on an official occasion since she gave birth to Louis back in April (the other occasion being Trooping the Colour). Both Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrived hand-in-hand with their father, Prince William; after the service, the family left the Chapel together, with Charlotte clutching the order of service as a souvenir.

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be glowing, as she proudly carried her sleeping son; Kate shared a laugh with the Archbishop of Canterbury, apparently expressing her desire for Louis to remain so calm and quiet throughout the ceremony. Catherine smiled tenderly at her youngest child as she entered the Chapel at the Palace.

The Duchess of Cambridge carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace. Picture by i-Images / Pool

Also in attendance were The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, as well as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As they arrived, Meghan and Harry chatted animatedly with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who married them in May. The two Duchesses appeared to share a comment about the unusually warm weather as they emerged from the Chapel, with Camilla fanning herself with the order of service.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were not present at their great-grandson’s christening; Buckingham Palace, however, said there is no cause for concern. It may be that Her Majesty is resting after a busy week in Scotland and ahead of this week’s events, which include the RAF 100th Anniversary celebrations and a meeting with President Trump.

Proud grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton were also in attendance, as were their children, James and Pippa, who is pregnant herself, and Pippa’s husband, James Matthews.

During the ceremony, which was private as per royal tradition, William and Catherine’s youngest son was baptised in the Lily Font. Originally commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert following the birth of their eldest daughter, the font has been featured at royal christenings ever since. The water in the font came from the River Jordan, believed to the place where Jesus was baptised and considered to be of a holy nature.

Following the intimate ceremony, guests were invited to a private tea at Clarence House, where they were served slices of christening cake. The cake was taken from a tier of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake, as is tradition in the United Kingdom; as it is fruitcake, the cake is well-preserved.