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Royal Christening: Official Pictures Released

Royal Christening: Official Pictures Released

The first official pictures of Princess Charlotte's christening have been released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The four photographs were taken by the celebrity and fashion photographer Mario Testino in the gardens and drawing room at Sandringham House in Norfolk, immediately following the newborn's baptism at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, on Sunday, 5 July.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their whole family had a wonderful day on Sunday and were delighted to share the special occasion with the thousands of people who came to Sandringham.

"They are very happy to share these photographs and hope that everyone enjoys them as much as they do."

One of the photographs shows the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the garden at Sandringham House.

Another is of Charlotte with her mother in the drawing room, and a third is a family portrait including the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the Cambridges, Charles and Camila and Kate's family, the Middletons.

The fourth shows William holding George in the garden.

Just 21 guests attended Sunday's christening service, including Charlotte's five godparents - William's cousin Laura Fellowes, Kate's cousin Adam Middleton and friends Thomas van Straubenzee, Sophie Carter and James Meade.

Prince Harry did not attend as he is currently in Namibia as part of a three-month charity trip to Africa.

Charlotte, who had not been seen in public since leaving hospital following her birth, was dressed in the elaborate cream lace and satin royal christening gown.

The fourth in line to the throne was christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, supported by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere.

She was baptised using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is usually part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptised, was used.

The church is where Princess Diana was christened.