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Princess Charlotte Baptised At Intimate Service

Princess Charlotte has been baptised at an intimate service in Sandringham as the world got its first glimpse of the Cambridges as a family of four.

Nine-week-old Charlotte was pushed to her christening by the Duchess of Cambridge in a vintage Millson pram the Queen used for two of her own children.

She could be heard crying and had to be comforted by Kate.

As Prince George entered the churchyard, he let go of his dad's hand and made his own way through the grounds.

Just 21 guests attended the service in Norfolk: the Cambridges; the Queen and Prince Philip; Charles and Camilla; the Middletons; and the five godparents, four of whom were accompanied by their spouses.

The guest list did not include Prince Harry, who is currently in Namibia as part of a three-month charity trip to Africa.

The christening lasted about 30 minutes before the family departed for Sandringham House, where they enjoyed christening cake taken from a tier of their wedding cake.

Well-wishers, some of whom camped out overnight, were allowed into the paddock near the church to see the family.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Queen's estate in Sandringham is where Princess Diana was christened.

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 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two hymns, one lesson and two anthems for the christening.

The hymns were Praise to the Lord, The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine.

The lesson was from Matthew 18, verses 1-5, read by Mr Meade, one of the godparents.

The anthems were I Will Sing With The Spirit and God Be In My Head, both by John Rutter.

Celebrity and fashion photographer Mario Testino took the official pictures.

Kensington Palace announced on Sunday morning that the godparents would be William's cousin Laura Fellowes, Kate's cousin Adam Middleton and friends Thomas van Straubenzee, Sophie Carter and James Meade.