Princess Charlotte’s Christening: Well-Wishers Invited To Church Grounds

Princess Charlotte’s christening is just days away and preparations are already underway for the royal affair. And while guests for the royal christening are mostly limited to the royal’s family and close friends, well-wishers can still witness the event given Kensington Palace’s announcement that the paddock outside the church will be opened.

Kensington Palace announced Monday that Prince William and Kate Middleton will welcome well-wishers during Sunday’s royal christening, Us Weekly reports. “The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte's birth -- many of them from local people in Norfolk -- and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.

William and Kate’s youngest will be christened at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, will preside over the ceremony, joined by the Rev. Canon Jonathan Riviere and the rector of the Sandringham group of parishes.

The service will be a private family affair, but royal watchers and fans who turn out at event will likely get a special treat, states People -- that of Prince George walking a few hundred yards to church. Weather permitting, the young prince -- who will turn 2 on July 22 -- might be taking a stroll along with his parents and baby sister Princess Charlotte, similar to the walk the royal family undertook during Christmas.

The church is just two miles from the royal family’s country home, Anmer Hall. Sources told People the celebration promises to be a “happy, family day in the country” and that the royal christening is something they are looking forward to sharing with the local community.

Members of the royal family expected to attend the event include Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Michael and Carole Middleton, and other relatives. The godparents have yet to be revealed, although Pippa Middleton, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry and William’s cousin Peter Philips are among the candidates, reports Hello!

Princess Charlotte’s christening date was reportedly selected specifically to take place before the queen heads off to Balmoral for her annual summer holiday.