Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge caused a few surprises when they announced the godparents for Prince George in 2013. The line up included family friends of Princess Diana, a former royal aide, and an old university pal of the couple – but his brother Prince Harry didn't feature, nor did her sister Pippa Middleton.
So who will they consider when HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge is christened on Sunday 5 July?
Kate and William's choices for George's godparents included some surprises
"It's an important role," royal expert Victoria Arbiter tells HELLO!
"A godparent is there to provide religious guidance. It's also somebody who is there other than a parent or family member that a child could turn to. Some royals have had as many as 12, so the possibility of people to be named can be a little tricky."
The Princes both had six godparents, while William's son had seven.
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE'S CHRISTENING DATE ANNOUNCED
"William and Kate are so keen to keep things on the down low and pretty chill," adds Victoria. "They want someone who is close to them and that they can trust.
"We won't find out who the royal couple has chosen for their new bundle of joy until the baby's christening, but there's already buzz about who could possibly take on the coveted role."
Names in the frame for new arrival's godparents include Prince Harry, Pippa Middleton, former royal nanny Tiggy Pettifer, and family friend Captain Mark Dyer
The royal parents used George's christening to emphasise their modern brand of royalty. For example, no one with a royal title was asked, perhaps explaining Prince Harry's omission. It's likely this time that the couple's siblings will be included, as well as one of William's cousins.
The Duke and Duchess gave the honour of being George's godmother to Julia Samuel, a friend of Diana's who founded Child Bereveavement UK, underlining their commitment to charity. They may want to make a similar gesture, choosing a friend from the network of causes they support.
Then, there is their circle of trusted friends, who act as a kind of praetorian guard.
Many of them such as Tom van Straubenzee and Sam Waley-Cohen have known the Cambridges since school, making it likely they will also make the grade.
