First pictures of Prince Louis at his christening
On Monday afternoon, 11-week-old Prince Louis was christened at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London.
As the youngest member of the royal family lay relaxed in his mother’s arms, the Duchess of Cambridge was heard telling the Archbishop of Canterbury: “I hope he stays like this.”
Kate wore a long-sleeved cream Alexander McQueen dress and a headpiece by Jane Taylor for the special occasion.
As Kate cradled Prince Louis, Prince William walked slightly ahead while holding the hands of their other two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Prince Harry and Meghan were close behind, with the Duchess of Sussex wearing an olive Ralph Lauren dress and a Stephen Jones hat.
Kate’s pregnant sister, Pippa Middleton, also attended the christening with her husband James Matthews.
Louis wore the same satin gown that was worn by his siblings, a replica of the Royal Christening Robe made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, in 1841.
Louis’s christening was the first time the family of five have been all pictured together in public.
Police officers guarded the entrance to the palace as around 300 people lined the streets around St James’s Palace for the special occasion.
The christening was an intimate gathering, with only 30 people attending the ceremony.
Prince Charles and Camilla were there to see Louis's baptism, but not the Queen and Prince Philip.
The Queen’s absence was not due to health reasons but was a decision made some time ago, revealed Buckingham Palace.
Her Majesty has a busy week scheduled ahead as she returns from a weekend away at Norfolk to host President Trump at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Last night, Kensington Palace revealed those who were chosen to be Louis’s godfathers and godmothers.
William’s friends Nicholas van Cutsem, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher and Guy Pelly were asked to be the young prince’s godfathers.
His godmothers are Kate’s cousin Lucy Middleton, friend Hannah Carter and William’s friend Lady Laura Meade.
Prince George was also christened at St James’s Palace, while Charlotte was baptised at Sandringham in Norfolk, where her late grandmother Princess Diana was christened.
Scroll through the gallery above to see photos from Louis's christening.