Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge will probably be christened like his father in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace. The question of godparents has not yet been settled by Prince William and Kate Middleton, but the ceremony is likely to take place after the royals' summer break, making a date in September or October most probable.William's own baptism took place on 4 August 1982. Coming six weeks after his birth, it was an auspicious day because it was the 82nd birthday of his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Palace and sang along as the Coldstream Guards band played Happy Birthday.
The little Prince's mother Princess Diana tried to keep him calm by letting him suck her little finger during the 25-minute ritual.
Even so her son emitted three squeaks as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie poured water from the River Jordan over his head, leading the Queen to joke: "He's a good speech-maker. "Dr Runcie urged William's godparents help "this child to fight against evil and follow Christ".This honour fell to Prince Charles' friend Greece's former King Constantine and his mentor Sir Laurens Van der Post, who was close to the Queen Mother. Also named as godfather was Lord Romsey, who is the grandson of Prince Philip's beloved uncle Earl Mountbatten and was at Gordonstoun school with Charles.
The Choristers of the Chapels Royal sang two hymns and William wore the 1841 robe of Honiton lace over Spitalfields silk, made for Queen Victoria's son, the future Edward VII.George will wear a replica made by the Queen's dresser in 2008 after the previous one became too fragile after starring in 30 christenings.
Godmothers were his cousin Princess Alexandra, Diana's childhood friend the Duchess of Westminster and Lady Susan Hussey, the Queen's lady-in-waiting, who had befriended the young Princess.
Afterwards guests enjoyed champagne and cake – the top layer of Charles and Diana's wedding cake. The man of the hour was whisked off back to the nursery by his nanny Barbara Barnes.
For the occasion, the font that has been used to christen British monarchs since 1841 was brought to Buckingham Palace from the Tower of London.
