Princess Charlotte Brought To Christening In Vintage Carriage

Princess Charlotte was pushed to her christening Sunday in a vintage carriage -- one that Queen Elizabeth II used for her two younger children. For the royal event, the world got its first glimpse of the Cambridges as a family of four: Kate Middleton strolled from the Sandringham Estate to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk along with Prince William and their two children.

Prince William held son George’s hand as the prince, who is nearly 2 years old, waved at the crowd. After a short service lasting just over a half-hour, the royals began emerging from the church, according to Mirror UK.

The baby carriage was a large, traditional silver-wheeled Millson model that was once used for the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex almost 50 years ago. “Same #royal pram; different #royal passenger. FIFTY years separate these family scenes. #PrincessCharlotte,” Majesty Magazine tweeted about the ceremony. The 9-week-old Charlotte was dressed in the elaborate cream lace and satin royal christening gown, to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.

It was the second time that Princess Charlotte was seen in public since her birth May 2. Charlotte’s gown was a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841. She was baptized using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is usually on show as part of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

The little princess was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev. Justin Welby in a private service in front of just 21 guests. Others present were great-grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, grandparents the Prince of Wales, the duchess of Cornwall and Carole and Michael Middleton, and Kate’s siblings Pippa and James Middleton. Her five godparents were also among the congregation. Prince Harry was missing, having left to spend three months in Africa.

Royal fans camped overnight outside the Norfolk church to catch a glimpse of the event. Later, guests went to Sandringham House for tea hosted by William and Kate. They were served slices of christening cake, taken from a tier of their wedding cake. Fashion photographer Mario Testino took official photos of the ceremony.